Charles Duane Scharpf

September 22, 1942 - June 16, 2022

Charles Duane Scharpf, age 79, of Portage, Indiana, passed away Thursday, June 16, 2022 at home surrounded by his wife and family. He was born on September 22, 1942 to Edith Irene and Thomas Charles Scharpf in Dallas County, Missouri and grew up in Mountain View. Duane is survived by his wife of 56 years, Virginia Kay and five children: Lois May Ryan, Deborah Kay (Anthony) Gardner, Rebekah Irene (Scott) McCray, Thomas James Andrew Scharpf, and Sarah Regina Scharpf; two granddaughters: Blake Ashley McCray and Emma Christine Gardner; brother Danny Scharpf; sister-in-law Marie LaVine; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Layne Scharpf. Duane was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and remained as independent as possible throughout the years. Virginia and their children were able to care for his needs at home. Dunes Hospice, specifically Amber, Maggie, and Kim, were outstanding caregivers. He was baptized in Wichita, Kansas on August 8, 1959 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. As a young man, Duane devoted himself to his volunteer Bible teaching and giving Bible talks to various local congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He also spent his time on Kingdom Hall building projects. Duane and Virginia met at the Peace-pursuing District Assembly in August 1960 in Kansas City, Missouri. After courting for 4 years, they married August 7, 1965 in Mishawaka, Indiana. Duane and Virginia raised their five children in Portage, Indiana. Duane worked hard to provide for his family as a drywaller, finisher, and painter and took pride in his work. He had a passion for fishing, especially in Canada; loved gardening; being entertained by the two family cats Patch and Hammy (“Cam Cat”); enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Missouri and playing the harmonica. Duane enjoyed sharing his opinions with his loved ones. One of his frequent quotes was: “If I can’t whoop ya, I can outrun ya.” There will be a Zoom Memorial service for Duane Scharpf this Saturday June 25 at 2:00 p.m. CT The Zoom ID is 886-1091-7471 Password is 062522 Revelation 21: 4- “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”