John W. Scheller

John W. Scheller, age 19, of Miltona, died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 24, 2023, at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria with Father Matthew Kuhn presiding. Interment will take place at the church cemetery.

A visitation will begin with a 5 p.m. prayer service and conclude at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 29, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria. The visitation on Saturday will begin with a 12 p.m. rosary and followed with the visitation from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the church.

John William was born on May 28, 2004, to Joseph Scheller and Sharlene (Peno) Jennissen in Alexandria. He grew up in Alexandria and was baptized and confirmed at the Church of St. Mary.

In his youth, John was involved in Cub Scouts and Martial Arts, showing his discipline and love for learning. He attended Alexandria Area High School, where his passion for music became evident as he played the clarinet in the school band.

After graduating from high school, John continued his education at Alexandria Technical and Community College, studying Cyber Security.

John was also an avid gamer, often playing video games with his brothers and other gaming enthusiasts. He especially cherished the times he played with his brother Nathan, who is stationed in Okinawa, Japan. 

In addition to gaming, John loved boating and spending time on the lake with his family. He had a special bond with his black lab, Rufus, who was more than a pet but a beloved companion.

John's life was filled with the joy of learning, a love for music, and close connections with his family and friends. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his step-father, Mark Jennissen; maternal grandfather, William Peno; and paternal grandfather, Ambrose Scheller.

John is survived by his mother, Sharlene Jennissen of Miltona; father, Joseph (Valentina) Scheller of Alexandria; sister, Rachel (Kyle) Coffman of Cody, Wyoming; three brothers, Jacob Scheller of Alexandria, Nathan Scheller of Okinawa, Japan, and Ruslan Karpenko of Alexandria; step sisters, Tina (David) Dooher and Cassandra (James) Peters; step-brother,  Christopher Jennissen; nieces, Rylee, Summer, and Ava; maternal grandmother, Jean Peno of North Branch; paternal grandmother, Jeanne Scheller of Coon Rapids; along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Serving as pallbearers are his brother, Nathan Scheller; uncles, Dudley Peno, Alan Simays, Russell Scheller, Patrick Scheller; and friend of the family, Phillip Pittman. Honorary pallbearers are his brothers, Jacob Scheller and Ruslan Karpenko.