Jacob M. Schelhaas, 87, Jasper, formerly of Woodstock, died Wednesday, March 3, 2022, at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage in Luverne.
A memorial gathering of family and friends will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 26, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 4 p.m., all at the Woodstock Community Church in Woodstock.
Jacob Schelhaas was born on Oct. 28, 1934, to John and Lena (Van Roekel) Schelhaas in Murray County. Jake learned how to work hard at a very young age and after completing his education through the eighth grade, he began working. He had a love for animals and treated the livestock he was entrusted to care for with great pride.
In 1955 Jake enlisted in the Army and served for three years. After being honorably discharged, he met Gladys Wassenaar one Sunday night at the Steen Reformed Church. They were married at that same church on Sept. 30, 1960, and lived in Woodstock.
Jake was a faithful member of the American Reformed Church in Woodstock until he and Gladys retired and moved to Jasper. They became members of the Jasper Methodist Church at that time. They lived together until Jake entered Hospice.
Jake wore many titles through the years but the one he was most proud of was grandpa. He wore his Luverne Cardinal apparel with great pride.
Jacob is survived by his wife, Gladys; three children: son Brian (Barb) Schelhaas – Alec (Ashley Caldwell); son Lowell (Hope) Schelhaas – Nicole and Jenna; and daughter Lynette (Rick) Ossefoort – Chessa (Orrie) Frahm and Adam (Racheal) Ossefoort;
sister-in-law Betty (Jerry) Ackermann, Bonnie (Dave) Shelton, Nelva (Ron) Behr; brother-in-law Gary Posthuma; sister-in-law Beverly Wassenaar; nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
Jake was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law William and Grace Wassenaar; daughter-in-law LeAnn; siblings and spouses, Carolyn and Henry DeGroot, Laura and Gerrit Posthuma, Nelvin and Geneva Schelhaas, Janice Posthuma, and an infant brother; brother-in-law Gerrit Wassenaar; and sister-in-law Bev Wassenaar.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, hartquistfuneral.com.
(0310 F)