Nelvin Albert Schelhaas, 82, Luverne, died Saturday, April 3, 2021, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
A celebration of life service with food and fellowship to follow will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 10, at Grand Prairie Events in Luverne. Burial with military honors will be at Hillside Cemetery in Edgerton at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 11. Per Minnesota Executive order, masks will be required.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Nelvin Schelhaas was born on May 9, 1938, to John and Lena (Van Rockel) Schelhaas in Pipestone County, Minnesota. He was raised on the family farm and attended school in Edgerton. After school, he began working for Harold Nissen on a farm near Woodstock.
He married Geneva Hubers on Nov. 30, 1963, at the American Reformed Church in Woodstock. The couple moved to Gaza, Iowa, for a short time. They then moved back to Pipestone, where Nelvin began working at Sturdevants. 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, to enjoy their retirement. Geneva died 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.
Nelvin was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. He honorably served his country from 1961-1967 in the United States Army. He and Geneva enjoyed bowling on a couple’s league for many years. He also enjoyed walking, taking bus tours, tinkering with engines and visiting with people.
Nelvin is survived by his children, Duane Schelhaas of Pipestone, and Kay Thomas (Rick Heidelberger) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; four grandchildren, Darrick Thomas (Danielle), Zachary Thomas, Shania Schelhaas and Derrick Heidelberger; brother Jake (Gladys) Schelhaas of Jasper; and other family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva; his parents; an infant brother; and three sisters, Janice Posthuma, Caroline DeGrote and Laura Posthuma.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, hartquistfuneral.com.
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