Hometown Hero:

Ron Scharfe a.k.a. “Rondo” or “The Silver Fox” has lived an incredible life. His story is one of a kind! Ron was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 14, 1927. At the age of 16, Ron forged his birth certificate to get into World War II. He was then shipped to the Pacific where he was a coxswain on a Higgins boat carrying 36 troops. During the invasion of Iwo Jima, 14 feet from the beach, the boat hit an obstruction, the bow doors dropped and water rushed in nearly sinking the boat. Ron went over the top of the wheel, knocked his teeth out and split open his sternum leaving him unable to breathe. He feared he was having a heart attack. Thinking to himself, “I can’t have a heart attack; I’m only 16 years old!” Somehow, he got to the beach, 17 out of 36 guys made it. “You grow up fast, real fast!” Ron says.

Ron married Mary Jean in April 1950, and they had 5 children, Ron, Don, Jim, Pat and Traci. Mary passed away in 1995. Rondo was a Chicago Fireman and saved several lives during his career. He continued chasing fires after the Scharfe’s moved to Missoula, MT in 1974. Ron fibbed again about his 66-year-old age saying he was 50 and got on the “Wyoming Hot Shot” fire crew, helping fight the Yellowstone fires that summer. At one point, Ron was interviewed by Hugh Downs for 60 Minutes, a great story! So, from a hero in World War II to saving lives as a fireman both rural and wildlands, Rondo led an adventurous life.

Rondo shared his life with his wife, Marla. They traveled a lot and enjoyed life! Rondo often spoke at various high schools telling his stories of exactly what WWII was like. Whether it was a helping hand or lending an ear to a fellow comrade, Rondo was always there! He was proud to be an American and a WWII hero. Ron is survived by his wife Marla of Missoula, MT; Ron Jr. (husband Glen) of Moclips, WA; Don (wife Coleen) of Kalispel, MT; Jim (wife Frazz) of Auckland, New Zealand; Pat (wife Heather) of Missoula, MT; daughter Traci of Missoula, MT and several grandchildren.

There will be a graveside service with military Honors, on Thursday July 23, 2026. 10:30 a.m. at the Western Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery. 1911 Tower St. Missoula, MT. 59804.

There will be a luncheon Celebration of life, following the Service at Garden City Funeral Home & Crematory. At 11:30 a.m. 1705 W. Broadway St. Missoula, MT. 59808.

Information is available at www.gardencityfuneralhome.com