Daniel Lee Scharf

Daniel Scharf passed away unexpectedly on April 17, 2026 at his residence in Portland, Oregon

Daniel was born in Alliance, Nebraska on February 27, 1959 to Robert and Catherine (Lawrenson) Scharf. Danny grew up in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. He was the middle of nine siblings. After graduating from Scottsbluff HS in 1977, he left for college in Lincoln, NE and later Grand Forks, North Dakota where he earned a PhD in clinical Psychology from the University of North Dakota. He completed an internship at Denver General Hospital in Denver, Colorado, after which he moved to Scottsbluff, NE where he worked in various settings as a Clinical Psychologist until setting up a practice with Matthew Hutt located in Scottsbluff.

He married Margaret Rhoads House, faculty at the UND School of Nursing, in 1986 in Grand Forks. They met while both worked at United Hospital inpatient psychiatry and soon left for Daniel’s internship in Denver. Afterwards they returned to Scottsbluff for 17 years, moving to Portland, Oregon in 2006 where they resided for 20 years. Daniel was a loving husband and loyal companion, supporting Margaret in her many interests and endeavors.

Daniel was devoted to his children: Alice Scharf (Nate Skiles), Laura Scharf (Claire Beatus), Kirsten (Stoneleigh) Wickland all of Portland, Kjersti (Carson) Pollard and Nathaniel Scharf of Nebraska, and his two grandchildren Elliott and Kellan Wickland.

He was always up for travel, trying new restaurants, skiing at Mt. Hood or in Colorado with best friend Matt Hutt. He made several Italy trips with his wife and in-laws that grew a desire to travel the world. He was a pro at teaching kids to drive a car or ride a bike! He loved to play board games and was improving at video games with the help of his grandkids. He made a habit of attending all the kids’ school events, music and dance recitals, swimming competitions, speech tournaments and other performances. Having played quarterback in high school, he loved sports and kept up on a variety of teams. He was a long time Cornhusker fan but cheered for a number of NFL and NBA teams. A thrill was getting to see a Duke basketball game in Cameron Stadium at mid court with Coach K!

Daniel loved being a psychologist. His early practice included therapy, clinical assessment, and testing with all ages. In Portland he worked performing evaluations for the Veteran’s Administration and Social Security. Colleagues remember him as a dedicated, ethical professional who was a great colleague: easygoing, flexible, hard-working, and fun.

Danny will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and his steady, easygoing nature. He was the kind of person who made others feel comfortable and cared for, always willing to lend a hand or simply be present. He was a constant and loving presence in his wife, children, and grandchildren’s lives. He found peace in simple things: spending time in the woods near his home and caring for his beloved dog, Daisy. He scheduled time every day for Daisy and good friend and neighbor Josh and his dog, Bob, to play together, to walk in the woods, and discuss the day’s events.

His gentle spirit, generosity, and unwavering love will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

Daniel was predeceased by his parents.

Daniel is survived by his beloved wife; children and their families; siblings: Jim (Darcy) Scharf of Omaha NE, Tim (Ann) Scharf of Ft Worth TX, Anne Branstad of Sacramento CA, David (Dixie) Scharf of Lincoln, NE, Amy (Jim) Gardner of Chadron NE, Maribeth (Mike) Baker of Basehor, KS, Becky (Scott) Schaneman of Scottsbluff NE, and Sarah (Dave Fisher) Scharf of New York NY; and many nieces and nephews.

Donations, if desired, to any animal rescue or care organization would please Daniel very much.

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