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John Schell Obituary
John Patrick Schell, 57, died peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. In the days prior to his passing, John was surrounded in person and virtually by family and friends - a tribute to how much he was loved by so many. John never knew a stranger. Born in Cincinnati, John graduated from Wheaton North High School in Wheaton, IL in 1985. Following college, John began a long career as a computer engineer - specializing in voice recognition technology. He relocated with several companies - living in Illinois, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee and finally returning to live near family in Mason, Ohio. John was an avid fisherman all his life, a passion learned from his father. There are memories of him as a young boy - riding his bike, fishing rod across the handle bars and tackle box in one hand - on his way to a nearby lake. He not only loved the sport of fishing - he loved to teach others, especially children. He was quick to share his knowledge and his gear. John didn't own anything that he wasn't willing to give away. John made friends everywhere he went. His heart was the largest part of him - willing to help anyone, kind and generous to all, including four legged friends and wildlife of all kinds. His sense of humor and sparkling blue eyes "reeled you in" from the moment you met him. He was a tremendous storyteller. Some of those stories (especially the fishing tales) were highly suspect - but inevitably left you chuckling for hours. John was part of a very large family. He is predeceased by his father, John Anthony Schell (d.1984). John is survived by his mother, Patricia Schell Vary (Wheaton, IL) and her husband Jim Vary; his sisters, Pam Boland (N. Aurora, IL) and Terri Schell (Mason, OH); his brothers, Tom Schell and wife Molly (Jonesville), Mike Schell and wife Nicole (Flagstaff, AZ), Bob Schell and wife Amy (Centennial, CO), David Schell and wife Kelly (Centennial, CO); step-brother, Jay Vary and wife Jennifer (Seattle, WA); step-sister, Catherine Voigt and husband Derek (Glen Ellen, IL). John had 18 nieces and nephews and four more from the next generation. He loved them all tremendously. His family was dear to him. John's absence will leave a magnificent hole in all our lives. We find solace in knowing he is in the company of loved ones who have passed before us. Our greatest wish is that he has discovered the perfect lake and is fishing alongside his father once again. We sure love you John -
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local Hospice or Humane Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Schell
Sponsored by Neptune Society - Cincinnati.
Dan Sarvis
December 14, 2024
John was a great friend and the little brother I never had growing up next to him and the Shells in Akron, OH. Dad Jack was a great example of a man who I admired so much and I´m sure John missed Jack when he passed far too early in life! I miss John and take joy today knowing he is with the Lord and at peace! May the entire Shell family know I love them all and so enjoyed every minute of them living next door to me and my family in Akron, OH for many great years! Love you John!
Your neighbor and friend Dan Sarvis
Kathy Cox
November 6, 2024
John and I met beside the bike racks at Franklin Junior High in Wheaton, which was the beginning of a 45 year friendship.
As so many have shared, John was bigger than life, always ready to lend a helping hand and had a sense of humor that few could rival!
I´m so grateful to have known John and the Schell family. My condolences to you all and wishing you comfort in the laughter and caring that John brought to some many.
I will miss him dearly,
Kathy
The Nix Family of Colorado
November 6, 2024
Wishing the entire Schell family, those who share the last name and those who found themselves folded into the family´s extended reach, the deepest of condolences. We know how much John was loved, and how much he loved in return.
Melinda Martin
November 4, 2024
Boating with John in Tennessee at Lake Chickamauga. Always a smile. RIP buddy.
Cliff Lau
November 3, 2024
I remember meeting John many years ago. What an amazing guy he was. Yes, he told tall tales, but his wit (and tongue) was extremely sharp! I believe that he truly loved Christ as his savior. I look forward to seeing him in Heaven some day so we can spend eternity together.
Margo Vizgirda
November 3, 2024
Please accept our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
The Vizgirda family,
Cross street neighbors
Jay Vary
November 3, 2024
John visited Jen and I in Seattle back in the mid 90's. He told one of his stories about visiting any McDonald's and throwing down one of his business cards to get free food. John explained, it's actually really easy and gave us a stack of his business cards and walked us through the script to try it ourselves. Though inspiring, John possessed a certain authority when BSing other people that we could never quite muster. That stack of business cards is still around somewhere. I hope you're on a bass boat somewhere, John. Love you, Jay and Jen
Ed Walsh
November 3, 2024
I send my sincere and deep condolences to the entire Schell and Vary families. John and his family lived a half block from us in Wheaton in the 1980´s. My sons played with John´s younger brothers daily and we knew his parents well.
In the early 1980´s I was an enthusiastic fly fisherman and avid fly tyer. One day John came over to our home and asked me if I could explain to him the art of fly fishing and fly tying. I suggested there would be no better way to do so than to go fishing together. I had some extra fly fishing gear and John and I went fly fishing together several times; and he soon became a fly fishing fanatic, along with becoming an excellent fly tyer.
Several years ago I received a heartfelt message from John via Facebook Messenger. Since we had both moved away from Illinois years ago, I had not seen or communicated with John for at least 30 years. In his message John said he just wanted to tell me how grateful he was that I had taken the time to introduce him to fly fishing and fly tying many years ago. He shared with me that he absolutely loved to go fly fishing and occasionally thought about us fishing together.
John´s message was thoughtful and very kind; and it touched me emotionally. John´s message to me all those many years later was a simple reflection of John-he was a thoughtful and very kind man.
Heidi Tran
November 3, 2024
John always made me laugh with one of his stories. He was just always a positive presence and he had a big heart. I remember him telling me about his beloved three legged dog. The world needs more souls like John. He made a difference. . John, may you rest in peace .
Greg Fisher
November 3, 2024
Terri - sending you and your family my deepest condolences for your loss.
Christian Larocque
November 3, 2024
John will be missed by many!
I hired John as a sales manager. I believe his first direct sales role from having been in engineering before. He was a scared at the beginning. We bonded easily and he quickly became one of the best!
He was a great storyteller and his laugh was contagious.
He surprised me so many times, like pulling out a fishing rod on a golf course to fish in a pond
He was so generous and kind.
John, I will forever remember this moment in Memphis with you.
Rest in peace my friend John Schell
Marianne Manser
November 3, 2024
John was my neighbor in Steeple Run in Naperville, Il. He was always so kind to me and my 3 daughters. He was always a happy guy. I kept up with him for a while after he left Illinois. He will be missed.
Scott van Doren
November 3, 2024
John's great laugh is what instantly came to mind. Godspeed John and prayers to everyone in the family.
Melinda Martin
November 3, 2024
John taught me how to cast a fly rod. We stood out in the road and he was so patient with me. I lost my Dad a couple years before I met John and I used to fish with my Dad. John helped me heal from that loss by fishing with me. Interestingly enough, my Dad´s name was also John.
He was a great friend and I loved him. So sorry for your loss. Melinda Martin
Steven Haigh
November 3, 2024
Rest in peace John!
To the Schell family and friends, I am sorry for your loss. Peace be with you today and everyday.
Viviana Rosales
November 3, 2024
John, you were larger than life and I know you definitely experienced life on a grand scale. Memories of you will always make me smile.
You will be very missed!
Tom Coombs
November 3, 2024
I was lucky enough to be able to spend time with John professionally and personally. He taught my son and I to fly fish down in the keys. It was a fantastic trip.
I always enjoyed and shared his sense of humor. We had a lot of fun times together.
Going to miss you buddy.
Terri Schell
November 3, 2024
SO many memories with John. My family could probably tell stories for days on end - but we'd mostly like to hear yours. Jump right in - tell us your stories. And you will likely make us all laugh...which is healing in itself.
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