Scott Robert Schelske

1951 - 2025

Scott Robert Schelske, 74, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, under the compassionate care of hospice at Avera St. Benedict Hospital in Parkston, SD.

Visitation for Scott will be held at First American Lutheran Church in Tripp, South Dakota, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will also take place at the church on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., followed by burial at Gracehill Cemetery and a luncheon afterward.

Scott was born in Scotland, SD on February 28, 1951, to Robert and Glendora (Schmidt) Schelske. 

Scott attended Tripp High School, graduating in 1969. He then attended South Dakota State University, graduating with a degree in Dairy Science in 1973. 

Upon completion of his degree, he returned to Tripp to work for his father Bob at the Tripp Creamery. On October 8, 1977, Scott married Judy Stoebner at Friedens Reformed Church. They welcomed sons Paul, Robert, Thomas, and Michael to their family.

In 1981, Scott and Judy opened Tripp Cheese Company. They specialized in making Colby Longhorns and sold their products nationwide to other cheese companies. Tripp Cheese Company was a thriving business, but it ran like a well-oiled machine during the summer months when his four Schelske boys showed up for work. Scott would probably tell you they drove him crazy but we know he loved having them there. Sadly Scott and Judy had to sell the cheese plant in November of 2000 due to milk prices.

After the cheese plant closed Scott dabbled in the bar/restaurant arena, owning and running the Dugout Lounge in Tripp. Another opportunity in the dairy industry came Scott’s way and he became a Dairy Inspector for the State of South Dakota. He really enjoyed this job because it allowed him to be in dairy plants, talk with a lot of people, and impart the knowledge he had gained from running Tripp Cheese. This is a position he held up until his retirement.

Scott loved the city of Tripp. Over the years he was a volunteer firefighter/Fire Chief, on church boards, taught Sunday School, coached his kids and their friends in basketball, served as County Commissioner, and sat on the City Council for as long as any of us can remember. In retirement he needed something to do so he became Mayor of the city he loved. He held this position until his health wouldn’t allow him to continue and he resigned in December of 2025.

Scott did not have many hobbies but he enjoyed golfing with Judy, talking with anyone that would listen, and hanging out at Gall’s Auto trying to solve the world’s problems. He had a deep love for his family and absolutely adored his grandchildren, taking them golfing, attending as many of their activities as he could, and teaching them how to be productive citizens. 

Grateful in sharing his life are his loving wife of 48 years Judy; mother Glendora Zeitner; sons Paul, Robert (Becka), Thomas (Christine), and Michael (Amanda); sister Kathy Bailey (Corey); grandchildren Kole Schelske, Natalie Schelske, Owen Schelske, Seamus Schelske, Sullivan Schelske, Rory Schelske, Adam Murphy, and Xander Schelske; many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Bob Schelske; step-father Edward Zeitner; mother and father in-law Helmuth and Elaine Stoebner; many aunts, uncles, and family members.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to First American Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.

Visitation for Scott will be held at First American Lutheran Church in Tripp, South Dakota, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will also take place at the church on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., followed by burial at Gracehill Cemetery and a luncheon afterward.