Walter "Walt" Schearer

Walter “Walt” Schearer, 83, of Poplar Grove, IL, passed away at home Friday, January 2, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 24, 1942, in Reading, PA, the son of Walter and Mary (Noone) Schearer.  He earned his BS from Villanova University and his MS from Marquette University. Walt married the love of his life, Patricia Johnson, on June 15, 1968. After 35+ years as a high school physics teacher, he retired from Glenbard North High School. From an early age, Walt loved sports as a spectator, participant and coach. Beginning with his years as a sprinter and rugby player, then as a track and soccer coach, his career culminated with many years supporting his grandchildren through their athletic careers.  Walt was a tireless worker to his last day, building the family home, roofing houses in the summers, teaching his kids to fix their own cars, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity in his retirement, and redoing the landscaping in his final months.  Walt was a walking physics demo for generations of students at Glenbard North High School and whoever he encountered; through his infectious enthusiasm for the subject he inspired professors in Mexico, his fellow high school science teachers, and most of all his students.  His physics toolkit included children’s toys, roller coasters, and Wile E. Coyote. He delighted in good natured hijinks, hiding his sisters’ hairbands and defeating his family in a myriad of boardgames. A strong Catholic, Walt lived St. James’ teaching that faith without works is dead; he led marriage preparation classes, served on the parish school council, and carefully shepherded his children and grandchildren on their own religious paths.  He gracefully accepted his failing health in his last four years of life, uncomplaining and grateful for Patti’s loving care.  Walt’s greatest accomplishment was his family.  He provided a model of Christian marriage and parenting.  He is loved and will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 57 years, Patricia; children, Walt (Samantha) Schearer, Laura (Mike) Keane, Deb (Bob) Ashton, Trish (Ed) Grzesik, and Eric (Susan) Schearer; grandchildren, Alex, Dan, Matt, Katie (Johnmark), Cassie (Shaan), Mary, Nathaniel, Alice, Miriam, Grace, Eric, Paul, David, Joe, Maggie, Claire, Lucy, Esther, Brigid; great-grandchildren, Christopher, Emma, and Theodore; sisters, Mary Schearer and Barbara Otto. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Margaret Anne Kemme, grandson, John Walter Ashton, brother-in-law, Joe Otto, sister-in-law, Joyce Johnson. There will be a visitation Friday, January 9, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Belvidere Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Belvidere, IL.  There will be a second visitation Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Rockford, IL. A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Rockford, IL. Interment in St. James Catholic Cemetery in Belvidere, IL. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity in honor of Walt. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.belviderefh.com.