Neil Dean Schaerrer (April 12, 1930 – January 18, 1985) was thefourteenth general president of theYoung Men organization ofthe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1977 to 1979.
Born inPayson,Utah, Schaerrer served as amissionary for the church inSwitzerland from 1950 to 1953. He waspresident of the church'sAustriaViennaMission from 1972 to 1975. In 1975, Schaerrer established the LDS Church as a legal entity in theSocialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
In 1977, Schaerrer wascalled as the general president of the Young Men. There had not been a general president sinceRobert L. Backman was released in 1974 and the organization was placed under the direct supervision of the church'spresiding bishopric. Schaerrer served for two years and was succeeded by Backman, who by then had become a churchgeneral authority, in 1979. Schaerrer was the last non-general authority to serve as president of the Young Men untilCharles W. Dahlquist II was called in 2004. Schaerrer's counselors were Graham W. Doxey andQuinn G. McKay.
Schaerrer was married to Jane Coon and they were the parents of four children. He was an attorney by profession, and died inSalt Lake City at the age of 54.
| The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vacant Organization under jurisdiction of thePresiding Bishopric Title last held by Robert L. Backmanas President of the Aaronic Priesthood MIA Young Women | General President of theYoung Men 1977–1979 | Succeeded by Robert L. Backman |