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, the support provided through the Hilbert Scherffius Fund over the years has made the work of the Oconomowoc Scholarship Fund possible.