Master Sergeant Earl H. Schuerman, US Air Force Retired, age 84, of Highland, passed away Thursday, February 19, in St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville. Funeral services for 84 year-old Master Sergeant Earl H. Schuerman will be Tuesday, February 24 at 10:00 a.m. at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland. Burial will be in New Douglas City Cemetery. Friends may call Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to service time at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Wounded Warrior Project or Shriner’s Hospital for Children.
He was born November 21, 1930, in New Douglas, IL, the son of Harry and Irma E. (nee Fritsche) Schuerman.
On September 16, 1955, he married Virginia E. Elmslie who survives.
He was a member of Machinist Local #464 Group; Air Force Sergeant’s Association.
Earl was born and grew up in New Douglas. He attended Mt. Calvary one room school. He was a graduate of Livingston High School in 1948. He briefly worked at Caterpillar in Peoria. He joined the US Air Force in 1951, and retired in 1971 at Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire as Master Sergeant. During his 20 year career he had been stationed at Washington State, Germany, France, Kansas, Virginia, Hawaii, and the Netherlands. He had multiple deployments to Vietnam. His last years were in Air Rescue and Recovery as a Flight Engineer on a C130. He had also supported 3 moon shots. He returned to IL and worked at Olin Corp. for 15 years as a Mill Wright, retiring in 1993. He enjoyed small engine repair, gardening (loved turnips), and woodcraft. He loved nature and loved to see squirrels scamper. He was a big story teller.
Survivors include :
Wife – Virginia E. “Ginny” Schuerman nee Elmslie, Highland, IL
Daughter – Suzanne J. (Alan) Oberholtzer, Oviedo, FL
Son – Tech Sgt. Gregory A. (Clara) Schuerman, USAF Retired, Liberty, MO
Grandchild – Adam G. (wife Lisa Madrigal) Schuerman, Morris, IL
Grandchild – Ian A. Oberholtzer, Brooklyn, NY
Grandchild – Abigail M. Schuerman, Kansas City, MO
Grandchild – Kaitlin E. Oberholtzer, Orlando, FL
Sister – Marlene (Arden) Eilers, Eldon, MO
Brother – Roy Schuerman, Alton, IL
He was preceded in death by :
Father – Harry Schuerman
Mother – Irma E. Schuerman nee Fritsche
Brother – Delmar Schuerman
Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home
1501 Ninth at Lemon Street
Highland, IL 62249
618-654-2133
