Hilbert N. Scherffius (1909-1997) lived in Oconomowoc for most of his life and was owner and operator of Lorleberg’s True Value Hardware, a business established in 1870 by his great uncle, Hugo Lorleberg. Hilbert started at the store in the early 1930s and became its manager in 1947. The long-standing Oconomowoc store celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2020.

 

“Scherf” as friends call him, had a reputation for always helping local schools, youth groups, and charitable causes. Hilbert Scherffius left his estate to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. His legacy of hometown support continued through a charitable fund focused on community needs administered through the Oconomowoc Area Foundation.

 

As our first named, memorial scholarship, support comes through a grant from the Hilbert Scherffius Fund, administered by the Oconomowoc Area Foundation.