Loren Francis Scharber

Former Wasilla resident Loren Francis Scharber, 78, died Feb. 3, 2011 at his home in Foreston, Minn., from a massive heart attack.

Loren was born in Rogers, Minn., on Oct. 29, 1932, to Albert and Helen (Ferrian) Scharber. He attended school in the small farming community of Rogers and completed eighth grade, as he walked to and from school and Rogers had no high school. Loren became a teacher’s aide until he was 18. He joined the U.S. Army from 1953-55. After his discharge, he met and married the love of his life, Audrey V. Eychaner. They had three children, Michael, Terri and Kevin.

They moved to Alaska in 1964 and lived in the Anchorage and Chugiak areas until 1974, when they moved to Wasilla. In 1980, Loren started Wasilla Auto Salvage with his family.

Loren loved to travel and didn’t think anything of taking all the grandkids. He was a very loving and thoughtful person, and was always there to help anyone. He loved mowing grass, riding snowmachines, charity work and sitting in the sun.

Loren will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey “Punky” Scharber; sons, Michael and Kevin Scharber; parents, Albert and Helen Scharber; sisters, Loraine Sorakos and Shirly Gnewikow; and brothers, Harvey and Arnold Scharber.

Loren’s surviving family in Wasilla includes his daughter, Terri Caswell; son-in-law, Vern Caswell; grandchildren, Mikey and Kirsten Scharber, Matthew Scharber, Jackie Caswell, Sonny Caswell, Amanda Caswell, Robert and Tiffany Caswell, and Tracy and Kimberly Scharber; and many great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brother, Dale and Thelma Scharber of New Mexico; brother-in-law, Clifford and Lori Eychaner of Minnesota; sister-in-law, Dorothy Monroe of Minnesota; sister-in-law Tara Scharber of Wasilla; many nieces and nephews in Minnesota; and a lot of special friends all over.

Services were held in Minnesota with full military honors as a Korean War veteran.

His ashes were flown to Alaska for a remembrance service at Schrock Road Community Church at 2 p.m., Feb. 26. Everyone is welcome to attend.