Donald Martin Scheller

Donald Martin Scheller, age 76, passed away Friday, July 8, 2022, at his home in Kasson, MN.  Don was born August 25, 1945, to Dr. D. L. and Eleanor (Schneider) Scheller in Des Moines, IA. In 1963, he graduated from Arlington High School in Arlington, SD. He attended and graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1967 and then worked for the local lumberyard for a year. Following this, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served our country for 5 years and was honorably discharged in 1973. He attended South Dakota State University for a year.  Don went on to attend Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY and graduated in 1977. His first pastorate was in the United Methodist Church in Gilman, IA.  Subsequently, he served a 2-point charge in the United Methodist Churches in Ayrshire, IA and Curlew, IA.

On June 14, 1980, he was united in marriage to Brenda Trapp at Pleasant Corners United Methodist Church, and the couple recently celebrated 42 years of marriage. Together they were blessed with two children, Paul and Elizabeth. On August 1, 1985, the family arrived in Dallas, TX where Don and Brenda studied at the International Linguistics Center for three semesters.  They joined Wycliffe Bible Translators in December 1985 and made further preparations for service abroad. On August 1, 1988, they arrived in the Philippines where they would spend 27 years translating Scripture for a small people group in southern Mindanao. On August 1, 2015, Don and Brenda returned to the United States and settled in Kasson, MN. By remote assignment, they continued to be involved in the translation.  Don was a faithful member of Pleasant Corners United Methodist Church. He enjoyed playing basketball, swimming, SCUBA diving, big band and other music, bird watching, and spending time with his precious family who meant so much to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. D. L. and Eleanor Scheller and his brother-in- law, Bart Trapp.

He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Scheller of Kasson, MN; children, Paul (Calli) Scheller of Bismarck, ND and Elizabeth (Steve) Ewest of St. Paul, MN; his grandchildren, Hannah and Clara Scheller and Audrey and Theo Ewest; brothers, Douglas (Donna) Scheller of Rapid City, SD and David Scheller of Rochelle Park, NJ; brothers-in-law, Randall Trapp of rural Dodge Center, MN, Daniel Trapp of rural Dodge Center, MN, and Les (Donna) Trapp of East Gull Lake, MN; along with his nieces and nephews.

A funeral service for Don will take place at 11:00 am, Friday, July 15, 2022, at Pleasant Corners United Methodist Church, 21927 650th Street in Kasson, with Pastor Jacob Hanson officiating. Visitation will take place Thursday, July 14, 2022, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE in Kasson and one hour prior to the service at church. Burial with military honors provided by the Kasson American Legion Post 333 will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center, MN. The funeral service will be livestreamed on the “Kasson United Methodist Church” Facebook page ( www.facebook.com/KassonUMC/ ).

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Wycliffe Bible Translators, PO Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862-8200 (www.wycliffe.org).

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55944 (507)634-6510. Blessed be his memory.