Berferd Dean Scherfenberg

SCHERFENBERG, Berferd Dean (age 77) – Entered peacefully into rest on July 31, 2017 in Spokane, WA, surrounded by family. “Berf” was born on Sept 15, 1939, in St Paul, Minnesota, to Fred C. Scherfenberg and Beryle E. Scherfenberg (née Dresser). As an only-child he was doted on by both of his parents; his mom was a homemaker and his dad worked his entire career for Northern Pacific Railroad as a clerk. The family moved to Spokane in 1947 when Berf was eight, and lived in the family home in the Garland neighborhood. He attended Havermale Elementary School where he made lifelong friendships and then attended North Central High School, graduating in the class of 1959. He remained an active alumnus and enjoyed going to every class reunion and the all-school reunions. After high school, he pursued studies in art at Eastern Washington University, at the time it was Eastern Washington State College. After a year, he left to work full time at Wonder Bread Bakery where he was trained as a union baker, in all aspects of commercial baking. In 1962, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served four years in the US Navy and upon honorable discharge he served in the US Naval Reserve. While in the Navy he advanced to the rating of an Aviation Structural Mechanic (AM3) Third Class Petty Officer. Throughout his service years, he was awarded medals for good conduct, “His perpetual good nature contributes greatly to the morale of the division.” He was primarily stationed at Lemoore Naval Air Station, and went to sea on the U.S.S. Hornet, and the U.S.S. Yorktown. His love of engines, planes and all things mechanical continued long after he left the Navy. After an Honorable Discharge from the Navy he returned to work at Wonder Bread Bakery in Spokane for a total 41 years, 25 of those years as a foreman, retiring in 2000. He was proud of stating the only way they could get rid of him was to close the bakery doors, which happened the same year he retired. He continued to meet with his friends and co-workers, called The Wonder Bunch, until this year. When not at work he loved the outdoors, he was an avid sportsman good at waterskiing, snow skiing, and fishing. His other pastimes included rebuilding old Evinrude boat motors, working in stained glass, small sculpture, and computer games. Starting at an early age Berf made fast friends with just about everyone he met, wherever he lived. His favorite place and favorite times were spent at the family cabin on Loon Lake. He participated wholeheartedly in any neighborly activity. His door was always open, the beer was always cold and the company always warm. He loved nothing more than to sit with friends and family, tell stories and laugh loud and long. His warm nature brought out the best in everyone. By all accounts he was always cheerful, helpful and loyal. He was always the most helpful neighbor, the funniest dad, the most dependable and steadfast companion, and the world’s best grandpa. He is survived by his daughter, Ms. Lenora J. Lopez Schindler (née, Scherfenberg); his cherished companion, Ms. Cheryl Steward of Spokane, and her beloved family Dan and Shannon Beadles, their children DJ, Brian and Mariah Orchard, Tanner and Jordan Beadles; and 6 great-grandchildren. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 11:00 AM at RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME, N 4305 DIVISION, SPOKANE, WA, with Pastor Bob Smith officiating.