Georgetown, Texas, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Charlene Schmerbauch, a renowned educator and community volunteer, passed away in Georgetown, Texas. Her impactful life as a teacher, musician, and volunteer left an indelible mark on families she touched. Charlene was an active member of various United Methodist Churches and deeply involved in sports, especially tennis. She is survived by her daughters, grandkids, and great-grandkids. The family requests donations to local food pantries in her memory.
Georgetown, Texas
Charlene Schmerbauch, a beloved educator and dedicated community volunteer, passed away on September 30, 2025, in Georgetown, Texas. She was 91 years old and left a lasting impact on those who knew her.
Born on May 17, 1934, in Dubuque, Iowa, Charlene’s family later moved to Paducah, Kentucky, where she graduated from Lone Oak High School. She pursued higher education at Murray State University and the University of Illinois. During her time at Murray State, she met her future husband, Robert (Bob) Schmerbauch, and they were married on December 29, 1956. Bob Schmerbauch preceded her in death in September 2019, after 63 years of marriage.
The couple embarked on their careers and raised a family in several communities, including Pinckneyville, Fairfield, and Lindenhurst, Illinois. In her professional journey, Charlene taught physical education at Wayne City High School and Fairfield Junior High School, becoming a familiar and respected figure in local sports, particularly as a tennis player and a supporter of Fairfield athletics.
Charlene’s involvement in her community extended beyond teaching. She was a dedicated choir member at Fairfield United Methodist Church and later served as pianist, organist, and choir member at Lindenhurst UMC and Montgomery UMC. After retiring from education, she discovered a passion for reading and genealogy, dedicating time to research her family’s history.
Travel was an essential part of Charlene and Bob’s life, as they enjoyed exploring all 50 states and various countries in Europe. The couple eventually relocated to Montgomery, Texas, and later to Kingwood, Texas. Recently, Charlene moved to Georgetown, Texas, where she continued her legacy of volunteer service in each community she called home.
Described as determined, witty, compassionate, and an avid lover of card games, Charlene leaves behind a loving family. She is survived by her daughters, Karen Buchler (Gary) of Georgetown, Texas, and Laurie Herbert (Eric) of Burlington, Wisconsin. Their son, Michael Schmerbauch, passed away in 1997 and is survived by his wife, Betsy Kemp.
Charlene took great joy in her role as a grandmother. She is survived by granddaughters Kristi Buchler (Andrew Fuhr) of Los Angeles, California, and Lauren Wilkinson (Cody) of Hamel, Illinois, along with grandsons Maxwell Herbert of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Corey Herbert of Green Bay, Wisconsin. She is also survived by great-grandsons Chace Michael Matheny of Hamel, Illinois, Theodore Robert Wilkinson of Hamel, Illinois, and Isaac Weston Fuhr of Los Angeles, California.
Interment will take place at Caledonia Cemetery in Sparta, Illinois, at a later date. To honor Charlene’s memory, her family encourages donations to local food pantries or to the Montgomery United Methodist Church Food Pantry in Montgomery, Texas.
FAQ
What was Charlene Schmerbauch’s date of birth?
Charlene Schmerbauch was born on May 17, 1934.
Where did Charlene Schmerbauch pass away?
She passed away in Georgetown, Texas, on September 30, 2025.
What schools did Charlene Schmerbauch teach at?
Charlene taught physical education at Wayne City High School and Fairfield Junior High School.
How long were Charlene and Bob Schmerbauch married?
Charlene and Bob were married for 63 years until his passing in September 2019.
What organizations was Charlene involved in?
Charlene was a dedicated choir member and served as pianist and organist at various United Methodist Churches.
Where will Charlene Schmerbauch be interred?
Interment will be at Caledonia Cemetery in Sparta, Illinois.
What does the family request in Charlene’s memory?
The family encourages donations to local food pantries or to the Montgomery United Methodist Church Food Pantry in Montgomery, Texas.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Charlene Schmerbauch |
| Date of Birth | May 17, 1934 |
| Date of Passing | September 30, 2025 |
| Residence | Georgetown, Texas |
| Education | Murray State University, University of Illinois |
| Teaching Career | Wayne City High School, Fairfield Junior High School |
| Marital Status | Married to Robert Schmerbauch for 63 years |
| Surviving Family Members | Daughters, sons-in-law, granddaughters, grandsons, great-grandsons |
| Interment Location | Caledonia Cemetery in Sparta, Illinois |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WFIW Radio Obituary
- Wikipedia: Fairfield, Illinois
- WFIW Local News
- Google Search: Georgetown, Texas
- WFIW Charitable Donations
- Google Scholar: Charlene Schmerbauch
- WFIW Community Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Illinois
- WFIW Georgetown News
- Google News: Charlene Schmerbauch
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