Frederick W. Schert
Dr. Frederick W. Schert, aged 76, peacefully passed away on August 26, 2023.
He was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on April 21, 1947, to his loving parents, Herbert and Alice Schert. Dr. Schert’s life was a remarkable journey, marked by devotion, education, and unwavering service to both his profession and community.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, he spent 55 years of his life there before residing in Alachua, Florida, for the last 13 years. Dr. Schert was an alumnus of Nathan Bedford Forrest High School and went on to attain his education at Rollins College and Tulane Medical School. His journey continued with a residency in general surgery at the University of Florida and an internship at Oschiner Clinic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
For 23 dedicated years, Dr. Schert served as a general surgeon at St. Vincent Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida. He also lent his expertise to the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he worked as their medical examiner in the compensation and pension department in Gainesville, Florida. His retirement led him to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he spent the last five years of his life.
Dr. Schert was not just a skilled medical professional; he was deeply involved in various community and fraternal organizations throughout his life. These included Omicron Delta Kappa, academic and honorary fraternities at Rollins College, TKE fraternity, the Florida Medical Association, Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons, and his most notable achievement as the founder of community hospice in Jacksonville, Florida. He received recognition for his dedication with the preceptor and general surgery award at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Jacksonville, Florida, and he served as the editor of the Duval County Medical Society Bulletin.
His faith was an integral part of his life, and he was a devoted member of the Catholic faith, attending the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. Dr. Schert was a man of God who actively lived out his faith. He served as a young life leader and committee member, sang in church choirs and the Orange Park Chorale, and held positions as an elder and vestryman at Grace Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Florida, and Grace Episcopal Church in Orange Park, Florida. His commitment extended to Servants of Christ in Gainesville and membership at St. Madeleine Catholic Church in High Springs, Florida, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chattanooga. His passion for helping others took him on mission trips to Haiti and Guatemala, where he led teams to provide aid. He volunteered at blood banks, Chapel House Episcopal Student Mentor Ministries, and actively participated in various community service endeavors. Dr. Schert also found joy in gardening and treasured moments spent with his beloved grandchildren.
Dr. Frederick Schert is survived by his devoted wife, Victoria K. Schert, and his loving daughters, Emily R. (Marshall) Sana, Mary A. (Paul) Ferris, and Bethany R. (George) MacEwan. His legacy continues through his cherished grandson, Henry B. Ferris, and granddaughters Klara E. and Jane M. Sana, Esther P., Edith J. Ferris, and Irene A. MacEwan. He is also survived by his brothers, H. Daniel Schert and John Schert, and his sister, Kathleen Sherman.
A celebration of Dr. Schert’s life will be held on Sept. 9, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mission Chattanooga, followed by a funeral service at 12 p.m., with a reception to follow. In honor of his lifelong dedication to education and medicine, the family kindly requests that you consider adopting a student at Tulane Medical School in New Orleans, Louisiana, as a meaningful tribute to Dr. Frederick W. Schert’s enduring legacy of service and compassion.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, Tn., 423 622-9995.