Ila M. Scherer

Ila Mae Scherer, 95, of Omaha, Nebraska, formerly of Grand Island, passed away on July 3, 2026, at home surrounded by her family. Memorial services will be held Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Braman Funeral Home in Omaha. Burial will take place at a later date.

Ila was born January 5, 1931, in Broken Bow, Nebraska, to Harry and Tressie (Dutton) Tyson. She spent her childhood in and around Broken Bow and graduated from Broken Bow High School in May 1949. On October 14, 1951, she married Carl Frederick (Freddie) Scherer. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and love, raising five children – Sheryl, Jim, Rod, Gary, and Carla – in Grand Island and Central City, Nebraska.

Ila was the heart of her family – the kind of wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose love was most often expressed through quiet acts of service. The home she shared with Carl was always open. It was where holidays were celebrated, summer evenings lingered, and family naturally gathered, knowing they would always be welcomed with open arms. Their home wasn't simply a place to visit – it was a place where everyone belonged.

An exceptional cook and baker, Ila's kitchen was the center of countless cherished memories. She was always the last to sit down for a meal and the first to clear the table, making sure everyone else was cared for before thinking of herself. No one ever left her house hungry – or without a cookie or homemade treat.

After retirement, Ila and Carl returned to Grand Island, where they enjoyed golfing together and cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers. She was also an accomplished bowler. Her faith in the Lord was a quiet but constant source of strength throughout her life. Gentle in spirit, generous with her time, and unwavering in her devotion to those she loved, Ila treasured her sisters and delighted in every opportunity to be with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In 2019, she moved to Omaha to live with her eldest daughter, Sheryl, where she remained surrounded by family.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Sheryl Scherer of Omaha, Gary Scherer of Lincoln, and Carla (Rick) Chancellor of Fredericksburg, Virginia; many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Frederick Scherer; her parents, Harry and Tressie (Dutton) Tyson; infant son Freddie Dean; sons Rod and Jim Scherer; daughter-in-law Cindy Scherer; and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Roxie (Merle) Jones, Leola (Roland) Carlson, and Helen (Jerome) Weiss.

She taught her family that love wasn't measured by grand gestures, but by a warm meal, an open door, a kitchen full of laughter, and always making room for one more. Her legacy lives on in every family gathering, every treasured holiday tradition, and every quiet act of kindness inspired by her example. She was the very best of us, and everyone who knew her is better because they did.

Celebration of Ila’s Life will be on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 10:00am at Brama Mortuary (Millard Chapel). Following the service, join the family for a luncheon at Braman Mortuary.

Braman Mortuary & Cremation Services (6505 S. 144 St. Omaha, NE 68137 / 402-895-3400)