Doris Ann Schermerhorn

Doris Ann Schermerhorn of Callaway, MN passed away peacefully on Monday, January 6, 2025, in Detroit Lakes, MN. Doris was born to Walter and Rachel (Gandesbery) Stanton on May 18, 1936, in Grass Valley, CA. As a small girl she developed a love for music. Her father sold musical instruments and would let her tag along and sing for people while he demonstrated how easy it was to learn to play the violin-ukulele. Their favorite song was “You Are My Sunshine”. Later while growing up on the family farm near Frazee, MN, she and her brother, Don, would sing duets while walking to school. She married her lifelong partner Gene Schermerhorn of Callaway on November 14, 1954. 

In the early years, Doris was the quintessential farm wife, managing the rigors of life on the prairie while raising five children. During that time, she was endeared by the “Callaway kids” for her extra treats as the cook at the Callaway Elementary School.

Later she was a partner in what we now call a “handmade business”. They created Minnesota themed décor that sold in gift shops across the state and one year was featured on a Christmas tree at the White House.

Doris later became a restauranteur of the Whistle Stop in Hawley, MN. Over the years, Doris became a sought-out caterer. She took pride in making delicious and beautiful food for special events and weddings. On the farm, Doris delighted many locals and those passing through the area with her roadside stand of fresh produce from the garden, preserves and baked goods.

Doris was an active member at her church and loved to sing in the choir. She was honored to sing for her friends in the community at weddings, funerals and special events. Doris was such a hard worker, kind and generous with her gifts. Her motto was “Don’t worry about doing too much, make sure you do enough”.

Survived by Doris are her children, Nancy Vyborny of Detroit Lakes, MN, Jeffrey (Antanette) Schermerhorn of Canadian, TX, Perry (Lynda) Schermerhorn of Gig Harbor, WA, Jenni (Tim) Shea of San Marcos, CA, Amy (Tim) Nelson of Rochert, MN, Bill and Pat Smith of Camas, WA, her 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Gene, her parents and five siblings.

If you would like to make an In Memoriam donation, please donate to:

Save Our Monarchs @ Saveourmonarchs.org/in-memoriam.html

Or Project412.org – A local organization whose mission is to celebrate and elevate the cultural and economic vibrancy of the beautiful Detroit Lakes area.