Obituary: Frederick Scheer
A World War II veteran, he was known for his autobiography of his experiences as a soldier and POW.
Frederick Oscar Scheer of Atlanta died Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017.
He was born in Eatonton in 1924. Fred attended school in Eatonton, then the University of Georgia, but left to join the U.S. Army and was called to active duty in spring 1943. Fred served in Europe and was captured and taken prisoner of war in France in 1944. He escaped the German prison camps three times. In 2015 he received the French Legion of Honor for his service. The adventures of his time in Europe are contained within the pages of his book, “A European Sojourn, 1943-1945.”
Released from active duty, he returned to Eatonton. He married Gerry Kessler in 1947, and they were married for 69 years until her death in January 2017. He ran a farming and poultry business, Scheer and Scheer, until 1953, when he moved his family to Atlanta. Fred went into the commercial real estate business and was ultimately the co-owner and president of Haas & Dodd Realty Co. until his retirement. During his professional career, he was elected Realtor of the Year as well as president of the Atlanta Board of Realtors. Fred was a lifetime member of Kiwanis, beginning with the Eatonton Kiwanis Club, then as president of the North DeKalb Kiwanis Club and finally with the Peachtree Atlanta Kiwanis Club. He was an active, devoted Kiwanian for 70 years.
He is survived by his brother, George M. Scheer Jr. (Michele), and sister, Happy Scheer Shaw (Irving); three children, Roslyn Scheer (Larry Rosen), Roy Kessler Scheer (Carol) and Barbara Scheer-Eason; two grandchildren, Claire Scheer Galloway (George) and Robert Kessler Scheer (Maria); and two great-grandchildren, Jackson Robert Galloway and Benjamin Crawford Galloway. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gerry Scheer; a sister, Gloria Rose Leder (Morrie); and a son-in-law, Fred H. Eason, of blessed memory.
In retirement, Fred and Gerry enjoyed extensive travel and time with family and friends. After Fred’s book was published, he became a popular speaker to students, military veterans, seniors and many others about his war experiences.
Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Temple. The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Regency Home Care, Guardian Home Health and Weinstein Hospice, but most of all to Silvaria “Sam” Miles, Fred’s companion and caregiver in his final months. A memorial service will be Sunday, Sept. 10, at 2 p.m. at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St. NE, Midtown. Reception to follow. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
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