Nelvin A. Schelhaas

NELVIN ALBERT SCHELHAAS was born on May 9, 1938 to John and Lena (Van Roekel) Schelhaas in Pipestone County, Minnesota. He was raised on the family farm and attended school in Edgerton, Minnesota. After school, he began working for Harold Nissen on a farm near Woodstock, Minnesota. A short time later, Nelvin began dating Geneva Hubers and on November 30, 1963, the couple were married at the American Reformed Church in Woodstock. They moved to Gaza, Iowa for a short time where their son Duane was born in 1965. They then moved back to Pipestone, Minnesota where their daughter Kay was born in 1970. Nelvin then began working at Sturdevants in town. In 1975, he bought a shop and began Nelvin’s Radiator and Small Engine Repair until retiring in 2003. At this time, Geneva accepted a new job and the couple moved to Hawarden, Iowa for seven years. They then moved to Luverne, Minnesota to enjoy their retirement. Geneva preceded Nelvin in death on May 17, 2012. Nelvin continued living in their home until 2019, when he moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to live with his daughter and son in law. On Saturday, April 3, 2021, Nelvin died peacefully at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls at the age of 82 years, ten months and 25 days.

Nelvin was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. During his life, he honorably served his country from 1961-1967 in the United States Army. He and Geneva enjoyed bowling on couple’s league for many years. He also enjoyed walking, bus tours, tinkering with engines and visiting with people. Nelvin was a simple person and was always giving of his time to others.

Nelvin is lovingly remembered by his two children, Duane Schelhaas of Pipestone, Minnesota, and Kay Thomas (Rick Heidelberger) of Sioux Falls, SD; four grandchildren, Darrick Thomas (Danielle), Zachary Thomas, Shania Schelhaas and Derrick Heidelberger; brother, Jake (Gladys) Schelhaas of Jasper, Minnesota; and other family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva; parents, John and Lena Schelhaas; an infant brother; 3 sisters, Janice Posthuma, Caroline DeGrote and Laura Posthuma; and other relatives.