Don Dennis Schellhase

Don Dennis Schellhase was born on March 6, 1945, Vinton, Iowa, the son of Oran and Lucille (Kirkwood) Schellhase. He attended Garrison High School where he met the love of his life, Mary Kathryn Donnelly. They were married for 55 years, and Don took care of Mary the last 20 years of their marriage as she suffered from MS. Don proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Don worked at John Deere Engine Works for 34 years and also served 26 years on the Traer Fire Department with 5 of those years as the Fire Chief. Don set a record as the 11-time state Waterball champion while serving the department, a record that stands today. While the Fire Department and serving the community was a passion of Don’s, his true joy came from his family and spending time with his grandchildren.

Don passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Mercy One in Waterloo at the age of 80. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife Mary, his brother Paul Schellhase, his nephews Danny Schellhase, Jeff Rommann, and James Kladivo; and his brother-in-law Ed Kladivo.

Don is survived by his children, Scott (JoAnne) Schellhase, Laurie (Bryan) Gentner, Amy (James) Devin, Cory Schellhase, and Carrie (Jeremy) Schneider; his grandchildren Owen (Moriah) Gentner, Justin (Madison) Devin, Molly Devin, Jack Schellhase, Spencer Schellhase, Marlie Schneider, and Ashlyn Schneider; a great granddaughter Athena Gentner and his sister-in-law, Carol Schellhase. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Don’s name to the Traer Fire Department.

Visitation: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1102 Walnut St. Traer.

Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 11:00am at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1102 Walnut St. Traer. 

Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery with a lunch in the parish hall afterwards.