Charles J. Scherbenske

“Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Master.” Matt. 25:21. On the morning of June 19,2019, Charles John Scherbenske left Sanford Hospital and his loved ones, and walked through the Pearly Gates of Heaven, upright, whole, free of pain, and into the arms of Jesus.

Services will be held at 11:00 am Monday, June 24, at Tuttle United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Sunday, June 23, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a prayer service will begin at 4:00 pm. 

Graveside services will be held at 3:00 pm Monday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Charles was born April 24, 1933 at his grandparents’ farm SW of Tuttle to John and Martha (Hein) Scherbenske. His entrance to the world was perilous. Though blue when born, Charles was a large 10-pound, and otherwise healthy baby. It was assumed that as the eldest, his name would be John, but his grandmother protested, “there’s enough John Scherbenskes; the mailman will never get it right. “

His childhood years were spent in Tuttle, attending school, chores, helping in his parents’ store, and playing marbles with his friends. Charles favorite part of school was recess and sports. Being a terrific athlete, he played baseball, basketball, and football. He graduated from Tuttle High School where he met a petite, friendly cheerleader with a beautiful smile, Dorothy Heidt.

Charles missed pitching a game on July 26, 1953, so he and Dorothy could marry. After the wedding, the newlyweds were put in the back of a pick-up with lawn chairs, then driven around the bases of the diamond. Shortly after marriage, Charles was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served two years; first attending basic training in Fort Riley, KS, and was then stationed at Aberdeen Proving Grounds near Baltimore, MD. During their time in Baltimore, the couple experienced heartache when they lost their first-born child, Cheryl Kay, who passed shortly after birth.

Upon returning home, Charles and Dorothy began farming NW of Tuttle. They were blessed with three more children; Gary, Vernon, and Debra. It was on the farm where he taught his family the value of hard work and love of country living. Family and friends were always welcome where Charles would jokingly charge a quarter to sample Dorothy’s cooking. Charles’ family, faith, and farming were most important to him. They worshiped at the Tuttle United Methodist Church, demonstrating devotion to God and each other; Charles and Dorothy leave a legacy of 65 years of marriage.

He was a good grandpa to his seven grandchildren or “candy customers”; convincing them the sky was pink, they should blow up their muscles, and giving them humungous bear hugs with his strong arms. There was never a shortage of chocolate, and the grandkids could watch anything they like on TV as long as it was baseball or war documentaries.

For nearly 20 years, Charles and Dorothy enjoyed winters in Mesa, AZ where good friends became a second family. In 2014, they moved from the farm to Bismarck, where they attended Calvary UMC. Even after “retirement”, Charles found ways of helping on the farm; helping with repairs, or running for parts. He enjoyed a cup of coffee and a visit, making strangers into friends. Charles was always a tease, with a mischievous smile and twinkle in his eye.

While Charles’ earthly body was worn-out and broken, we take comfort in knowing he is more alive than he has ever been. We wait! We will be together again soon, rejoicing in God’s promise to us: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”-Rev. 21:4. So we say, “Mach's gut!” Take care, until we see you again!

Those waiting to be reunited are his devoted wife of nearly 66 years, Dorothy, children: Gary (Marcia Wagner) Scherbenske, Tuttle; Vernon (Susan Wentzel) Scherbenske, Plymouth, MN; Debra (Rodney) Livingston, Tuttle, grandchildren: Amy (Mike) Martin, Menoken; Jesse (Jennifer) Livingston, Tuttle; Matthew (Sheri) Scherbenske, Bismarck; Scott (Dallas) Livingston, Driscoll; Sarah (Rob) Siml, Maple Grove, MN; Lindsey Livingston, Fargo; Laura (Travis) Fransen, Bloomington, MN; 16 great-grandchildren: Joshua, Jacob, Olivia, and Elizabeth Martin; Joey, Jamie, Jake, and baby Livingston; Hannah, Regan, Jonah, and Ainslee Scherbenske, Braxton Livingston and Preston Fischer; Finley and Grayson Siml; sisters: Janet Elliott, Olathe, KS; Shirley (Don) McDougall, Rapid City, SD; sisters-in-law: Anita (Carl) Wager, Tuttle; Lorene (Harry) Larson, Washburn; brothers-in-law: Earl (Violet) Heidt, Bismarck; Marvin (Marlyce) Heidt, Cedar Rapids, IA; Donald Heidt, Rochester, MN; James (Norma) Heidt, Arena, and sister-in-law, Dorothy Heidt, Fargo, numerous nieces and nephews, friends, and neighbors.

Charles was greeted in Heaven by his parents, John and Martha (Hein) Scherbenske; in-laws Martin and Amelia (Leno) Heidt; his daughter, Cheryl Kay, great-granddaughter; Kailee Joy Scherbenske; brothers-in-law Wayne Elliott, Wilbert Heidt, and Clifford Heidt; and sisters-in-law Ardella Heidt and Agnes Heidt.