John A. Scherf, 69, Bismarck, died July 18, 2017, at Sanford Health, Bismarck. Services will be held at 9:00 am Friday, July 21, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with Rev. Darrel Aleson officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm Thursday, July 20, at Parkway Funeral Service.Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am Friday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. John was born on December 28, 1947, in Ada, MN, the son of James and Jeanne (Pahlen) Scherf. His family moved to Bismarck where John graduated from Bismarck High School. John loved his country and served honorably as a combat medic in the US Army during the Vietnam War where he received the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Following his military service he worked in law enforcement for many years and in construction. John married Patricia Lippert on June 10, 1970, in Bismarck. In recent years, with health concerns, John was not as active. John was a voracious reader and was an encyclopedia of knowledge. His mind was sharp and a pinochle game with John could be considered an Olympic sport. He also greatly enjoyed fishing and hunting with his friends and family. John loved his dogs and the comfort and companionship they gave. John was a wonderful husband and father. His family was of utmost importance to him.John is survived by his wife, Pat, Bismarck; his son and daughter-in-law, James Earl and Pam, Bismarck; his sister, Locki (Calvin) Carlson; his brother, David; and his mother-in-law, Christina.He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Earl; and his sister-in-law, Stella.