Donald Eugene Cherf

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald E. Cherf. Don, as he was known to his family and friends, went to be with his Lord on September 7th, 2023. Don was born in Antigo Wisconsin, the fourth of eight children. As a sophomore in high school, he was recruited to play football and run track at a Catholic High School in another town about 80 miles away. At Columbus High School in Marshfield Wisconsin, he met a cheerleader and his future wife, Carol Wagner. Don joined the Air Force and was selected to attend Officer Training School. He married Carol and they had 5 children. He completed his distinguished military career after 22 years of service as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1973. After his military retirement and still having a young family to support, Don started his second career opening his own business selling insurance. He sold his business in 2000 after 27 years serving the community with his insurance products. He received many awards and distinctions throughout his military and business careers. Don and Carol moved around the country several times, finally ending up in Merced, CA where he spent his final years.

Over the years, Don worked and volunteered with many organizations. He was a member of the Catholic Church where he served as a lecturer and a communion minister. Don was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus where he served twice as the Grand Knight and once as the Faithful Navigator. He was the president of the Los Amigos de los Ninos, he served on the water board, he was a member of the Veteran’s Committee in Norco, CA, and actively volunteered in Oklahoma City at both the USO and Mercy Hospital.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Cherf, brothers Thomas (Tommy), John (Jack), and Richard (Dick), sisters, Margaret (Margie) and Frances (Francie).

Don is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carol Cherf and their children Don Jr., Carrie (Brian) Petree, David (Gwen), Darrell (Gina), and Dean (Tracy). He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, Greg, Kevin, Adam, Eric, Troy, Matt, Melissa, Rebecca, Kimberly, David John, Dylan, Devin, Cristianna, Elisabeth, Darrell John (DJ), Amanda, and Ashley and 32 great-grandchildren. In addition, Don is survived by a sister Rose (Richard) Zimmerman, and a brother Mike (Mary) Cherf.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 20th from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, in Merced, on Thursday, September 21 at 10:00 am, preceded by a rosary at 9:30 am. A reception will follow the Funeral Mass and internment will take place at 1:00 pm at the Merced Cemetery District with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Catholic Charities (catholiccharitiesusa.org)