Marsha Schelske: 1954-2023
Marsha Elaine Schelske, age 68, passed away peacefully June 23, 2023, at the Menno-Olivet Care Center, Menno, S.D., after a brief yet courageous battle with cancer. A funeral service was held Friday, June 30, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Menno, with Rev. Brian Mosemann officiating. The burial was at the Menno Cemetery. The Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Menno, was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. A recording of Marsha’s services can be found at: https://my.gather.app/remember/marsha-schelske.
Marsha was born July 31, 1954, in Freeman, S.D., to Edwin and Lea (Lang) Ulmer, joining Leila, Darrel, and Lynne, later followed by younger sister, Linda. She was baptized at Johannestahl Reformed Church in rural Freeman and confirmed at Zion Reformed Church in Menno.
She attended eight years of schooling at Rural Delzer District 97, later graduating from Freeman High School in 1972. She attained an associate degree from Freeman Junior College in 1974. She entered the workforce and met the love of her life at the annual Harvest Dance in Delmont, S.D.
Marsha and Gary were united in marriage on July 5, 1975. The couple owned Gary’s Market in Delmont before moving to Menno in 1980. She worked at Ed’s Market as well as Farmers Union Insurance, Menno Agency.
Her many notable accomplishments and tremendous community service included 27 years serving the Menno Ambulance and EMT and several years on the Menno Fire Department.
Marsha is survived by Gary as well as the couple’s five children: Rachel (Johann) Stokes of Menno, Sara (Brendon) Hansen of Yankton, S.D., Theodore “Teddy” Schelske of Menno, Timothy (Emily) Schelske of Elkton, S.D., and David (Paige) Schelske of Mitchell, S.D. The couple were blessed with six grandchildren: Josephine and William Stokes, and Olivia, Noah, AJ, and Jacob Hansen. She is also survived by siblings Darrel (Beverly) Ulmer, Lynne (Romona) Ulmer, and Linda (Tony) Schulte, as well as sister-in-law Debby Schelske and brother and sister-in-law Donald and Alta Schelske. Marsha is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews on the Ulmer and Schelske sides.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Lea, and sister and brother-in-law Leila and Tony Mathiason, as well as in-laws Ted and Lorraine Schelske, and sister and brother-in-law Lianne and George Geidel.
