Joan Schell

Joan Schell, age 92, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, at St. William’s Care Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank, SD. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank, SD. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Saturday. Fr. Tom Hartman will celebrate the Mass, and interment will be at St. Lawrence Cemetery.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and will be viewable at the bottom of this page.

Joan Marion (Keller) Schell was born in Milbank, SD, on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1932, to Michael and Iva (Schmidt) Keller. She grew up in the Milbank area and was a proud graduate of Milbank High School.

On February 23, 1952, Joan married Francis "Tex" Schell in Appleton, MN. Together, they raised nine children, nurturing a vibrant and loving household that became the heart of family gatherings. Joan was not only a devoted wife and mother but also had a great work ethic, working at Bell Telephone in her earlier years and later contributing her time to Flanery Foods, Midland Atlas, Bill's SuperValu, the Milbank Golf Course, and the Lantern Motel.

Joan was an active member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, where her voice graced the choir, enriching the spiritual lives of those around her. She had a deep passion for nurturing life, evident in her many flower gardens, and a love of reading that led her to collect books, especially prized first editions. Joan also found joy in roller-skating in her youth, and enjoying jigsaw puzzles, and playing Solitaire later in life. She also enjoyed the challenge of solving crossword puzzles, particularly the Minneapolis Star Tribune every Sunday. This was something special Joan would share with her mother and the two would often call one another for help or just to chat about the puzzles.

Most notably, Joan's home was the cherished venue for family Christmas celebrations, a tradition steeped in love and festivity, which intertwined her birthday with the holiday spirit. Her affectionate spirit extended to her love for dogs, reflecting her warmheartedness and compassion. Joan cherished every moment she got to spend with her family, especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Left to cherish Joan’s memory are her children: Charles (Donna) Schell of Salt Lake City, UT; Robert (Sandra) Schell of Big Stone City, SD; Laurie (Dave) Love of Brandon, SD; Jane (Ken, Jr.) Vanorny of Brandon, SD; Patty (Jack) Mills of Flandreau, SD; David (Lisa) Schell of Milbank, SD; Mark Schell of Rapid City, SD; Sandra Schell of Milbank, SD; and Michael Schell of Milbank, SD; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; siblings: Mary Nelson, Phyllis Hegge, Sue Jackson, Tim Keller, Jeanne Keller, Colette Hills, and Colleen Johnson; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tex in 1988; her parents: Michael and Iva Keller; brothers: James Keller and Michael Keller; and sister, Pat Seehafer.

Before he passed away, Tex had this to say about Joan:

“I admire that little lady greatly – she is a woman of courage, integrity, and great stamina. The time ahead of her is difficult but she is meeting the problems head on.”

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