McKinley Schierholz

Mac was born to George and Freida Schierholz on August 7, 1917 on a farm 10 miles northwest of Spencer, South Dakota. He died on January 5, 2017 after reaching the age of 99 years, 4 months and 29 days. Mac attended Grade School at the Springfield #4 Country School. During his early grade school years, he was taught by his oldest sister Elsie. Mac left school after the 8th grade and farmed with his Father until the spring of 1945 when he was called to serve in the United States Army. Mac served in the Army in Japan from 1945 - early 1947. He returned to Salem, South Dakota and went to work for his brother-in-law Helmer Peterson in the road construction business. During slow road construction times, he worked for a home construction contractor learning the home construction business. In December of 1951, he moved to Portland, Oregon and married his sweetheart Vera Overdick on December 22. 1951. Vera and Mac loved to travel. During all of their married years, they took frequent trips to visit family and friends in many areas of the United States. For many years, Mac's father George Sr. and Vera's Aunt lived with them. Mac and Vera learned how to support many elderly people in their Senior years. In 1952, they built their new home at 2545 SE 80th Street in Portland. In the same year, he began employment with Swift and Company working in their meat packing plant. He worked there until they closed the plant in 1968. In 1968, he began his employment with Broad and McClund working as a journeyman fabricator for various types of heating and air moving equipment. He worked for them until his retirement in early 1982. In the late 1980's, Vera became ill with MS. Mac was her primary caregiver until her death on March 24, 1995. After Vera's death he became an avid Volunteer for all the Projects that Grace Lutheran Church and School had to offer. His most loved hobby was wood working, volunteering with Dorothy Elsasser at the Thrift Store. He enjoyed making the parts for many bird houses that the children at Grace School put together each year. He was also a great cribbage and pinochle player. Dorothy, Roc Cordes and Mac spent many enjoyable hours with these great mind games. Mac was a devout member of Grace Lutheran Church since 1952 and was always a great benefactor for the many Christ centered projects that Grace was involved in on a continuing basis. Mac was preceded in death by his wife Vera, his parents ( George and Freida) sisters (Elsie, Arlyn, Florence, Slyvia and brother George Jr.) He is survived by numerous family members from a hosts of nieces and nephews and his dear friend Dorothy Elsasser. He has requested the following people to serve as Pallbears (active or honorary): Mike Peterson, Jon Peterson, AJ Peterson, Barry Peterson, Zion Branson, Cade Branson, Mark DeLong, Dale Hansen, Roc Cordes, and Dan Hair. He has requested Marilyn Baer to serve as Organist for this Service. Mac was not always one to openly express his love for people in his life but his great love was for his many extended family members and the people of Grace Lutheran Church. All of you meant everything to him. So he thanks all of you for being such a big part of his life and we really Thank God that we are all a part of the Family of God.