James “Jim” Schermer, Sr., age 84, of Becker, formerly of Monticello, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Shepherd of Grace in Becker. Jim’s health had been declining in recent months. His wife, Marlys, lovingly cared for him at home until additional support became necessary. Hospice care began on February 11, providing comfort during his final days.
Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Silver Creek Community Church, Silver Creek, with Pastor Dave Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Silver Creek Township. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.
James Dale Schermer was born on May 2, 1941, in Silver Creek, Minn., to Tunis and Jennie (Hofman) Schermer. He grew up on the family farm near Silver Creek and later answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force in December 1960. On June 3, 1961, Jim married Marlys Elaine Ordorff at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Their marriage spanned more than six decades with three children, seven grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
Jim proudly served in the United States Air Force from December 1960 until December 1968. He was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in California and later at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida, where he worked as a Flight Line Engineer and Crew Chief. He especially loved flying and took great pride in being part of the historic X-15 flight testing program – an accomplishment he often spoke of with pride.
Following his military service, Jim returned with his family to Silver Creek. He worked for UPS for 26 years, retiring in 1995. After retirement, Jim and Marlys spent 24 years wintering in Arizona, fully enjoying the snowbird lifestyle. Jim had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting deer, antelope, and elk in Minnesota, Montana, and Colorado, as well as fishing, traveling, camping, watching and reading westerns, building bird houses, and spending time outside. He became a honeybee keeper and also tapped many Maple trees for syrup. They both became side businesses for him.
After suffering a massive stroke in 2020 while in Arizona, Jim and Marlys moved back to Minnesota and into Shepherd of Grace Assisted Living. There, Jim found joy in playing cards, especially 500-along with bingo and other games, and he greatly treasured the friendships he formed.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Marlys; his children, Teresa (Garret) Goorhouse, Michelle (John) McKusick, and Jimmy (Eileen) Schermer Jr.; brother, Keith (Sally) Schermer; sister, Ora Mae Wiedema; sister-in-law, Darla Schermer; grandchildren, Kyle, Kayla, and Katelyn Goorhouse, Stuart Long and Milissa Holland (fiance Jonathan Westberg), Isabella, and Alexander Schermer; great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tunis and Jennie Schermer; brothers, Norman and Larry; sister, Kathy Schermer; sister-in-law, Bernice; and brother-in-law, Tom Wiedema.
Stuart Long, Alexander Schermer, Isabella Schermer, Jordan Thibadeau, Jon Westberg, Adam Soare will serve as casket bearers for the service. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Service Webcast are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.