Erma Jean Scharff, 94, of Minden, went to be with the Lord on February 4, 2026, while receiving care at Tiffany Square in Grand Island, NE. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Minden United Methodist Church with Rev. Kayla Mangrich officiating. The service will be streamed to the church's Facebook and YouTube pages. Interment will be held following the service at the Minden Cemetery. The family will be receiving visitors one hour prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Erma Jean was born in Minden, Nebraska on November 20, 1931, to Pete H. and Stella Petersen. She was the youngest of 6 children. She grew up in Minden and attended District 60 School and graduated from Minden High School in 1949. She worked as a telephone operator, administrative assistant to Judge Martin Law Office, and an employee at the Kearney County Courthouse offices.

She was united in marriage to Delmer Scharff, on June 7, 1952, in a double wedding ceremony with her brother, LaVern and his bride, Milrae. The United States Air Force then stationed them in Texas, Louisiana and finally Bangor, Maine. After the USAF completion, Delmer and Jean moved back to Minden.

With Delmer she raised 5 children, Sheila, Dudley, Sonia, Debra, and Danny. Delmer was self-employed as a car mechanic. He also owned and operated a septic tank cleaning and gravel truck business. Erma Jean was able to be a homemaker raising five children while also helping Delmer with the businesses' bookkeeping. She applied her exceptional seamstress skills by sewing numerous clothing items for the entire family. Later in life, she worked as the receptionist for the Minden United Methodist church from 1986 to 1997. She also did the janitorial work for the church as well. She loved shorthand, typing and editing and helping Pastor with putting together the weekly bulletins.

She was a 78-year member of the Minden United Methodist Church and a 65-year member of the Minden Legion Women's Auxiliary. Her hobbies included sewing clothing and quilts, cross stitching, crocheting, baking and canning. She loved sharing these handmade gifts to family and friends. She had a talent and a gift of dancing the waltz and polkas! Delmer and her were light on their feet on the dance floor. When Delmer had passed, she later met Bob Molle and dancing was their passion. They attended numerous Big Joe Polka Show gatherings and have been seen on reruns of the Big Joe Polka Show.

She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and was very proud of them all. She enjoyed attending their various sporting events and school activities.

Survivors include daughter Sheila (Glenn) Bauer of Omaha; son Dudley (Michelle) Scharff of Minden; daughter Sonia (Bill) Keeling of Grand Island; son Danny (Christy) Scharff of Omaha. Grandchildren include Seth and Lindsey Carlson of Omaha, Sheena and Jamie Meyer of Omaha, Billy (fiancé Skylar) Keeling of Omaha, Kaitlyn and Izaac Kitsmiller of Grand Island, Daniel and Breana Keeling of Omaha, Jada and Reese Holder of Atchison, KS, Alec Scharff (fiancé Nicole) of Omaha, Addison Scharff (friend Noah) of Omaha.

Great grandchildren include Hayes and June Carlson of Omaha; Emmett, Ammon and Eden Meyer of Omaha; Ellis Kitsmiller of Grand Island, Baby Girl Holder of Atchison, KS and one sister, Arlene Wright of Overland Park, Kansas.

Erma Jean was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra, and her husband, Delmer, three sisters, and one brother.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com .