Sherl Shearer, 80; Radiologist Sang in Choirs, at Weddings

Dr. Sherl Krell Shearer, a former longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, died at home in Rancho Mirage on December 30 of a heart attack. He was 80.’ ”Sherl was born in Peru, Iowa, on February 21, 1924 to Zella and Clyde Shearer.’He graduated from Simpson College in 1944 and from the University of Iowa School of Medicine in 1947. He served at the Naval Hospital in Camp Pendleton. ”A week after their marriage in 1947, Sherl and Cathie left on a Greyhound bus for Santa Monica, where Sherl began his internship at Santa Monica Hospital. In 1948 they moved to the Palisades and lived on Radcliffe until 1957, when they moved to their home on Toyopa, where they lived for 44 years. Their five daughters attended Corpus Christi School and graduated from Marymount High School. ”Dr. Shearer was a radiologist at Santa Monica Medical Center and was the Director of Radiology for 38 years. He served a term as Chief of Staff, was a member of the Executive Medical Board, and was a fellow in the American College of Radiology. He retired in 2001 and moved with Cathie to Rancho Mirage, where he enjoyed serving as a docent at the Living Desert Reserve. ” ”Dr. Shearer had a zeal for music and was a faithful member of many church choirs and local chorales. He also sang at all five of his daughters’ weddings, singing different songs at each one but repeating favorites such as ‘Sunrise, Sunset’ and ‘Ave Maria.”He enjoyed raising orchids, which were admired by friends and family. ”He loved traveling and spending time with his family, especially his 11 grandchildren.’Sherl had a passion for people, all of whom were treated with equal dignity and respect. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and childlike enthusiasm. He was a philanthropist and supported Santa Monica Medical Center, as well as giving anonymously to various organizations close to his heart. ”He leaves behind his wife, Cathie, of 57 years; his children, Terri Bribiesca, Nancy Sterrett, Michael Shearer (deceased), Susan Bischoff, Peggy Rose and Julie Senaldi; and grandchildren Kristin Kratochvil; Michael, Erika and Alicia Bribiesca; Kyle and Cody Bischoff; Kayla, Natalie and Collin Rose; Samantha and Alex Senaldi.’He also was brother to Marilyn Henery (deceased), Dawn Dixon and Carol Shaw. ”A memorial service was held on January 4 at Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church, where the Shearers were members.’Memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association in honor of Sherl K. Shearer, M.D.’Please make checks payable to the American Heart Association, 1710 Gilbreth Rd., Burlingame, CA 94010.