Ella Schelske

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Ella Schelske, 84, Bismarck, passed away peacefully in her home, Sunday, March 26, 2023. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, March 31, 2023, at First Lutheran Church, Bismarck with Rev. Allen Wagner officiating. The burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at First Lutheran Church.

Ella was born August 6, 1938, in Burnstad, ND, to Peter and Martha (Just) Gall. She was raised and educated in Wishek, ND. Ella graduated from Wishek High School in 1956. On June 24th, 1962, she married the love of her life, Dan Schelske. She moved from Jamestown to the Bismarck-Mandan area in 1974. During her lifetime she worked a variety of clerical jobs, however, what she considered the most important job was being a stay-at-home mother to her two sons, Dan Jr. and Keith.

Her home was always open to friends and family, which included good conversation and an even better meal. The fridge was always stocked with Coca-Cola and Diet Green Tea for anyone who would stop by. Some of her best dishes included: Easter ham and scalloped potatoes, cucumber salad, donut holes, chocolate chip cookies, apple, lemon and banana cream pies. Not forgetting her holiday specials: peanut brittle, popcorn balls, chocolate turtles and strawberry jam.

While others would have taken time off to relax after retirement; Ella enjoyed the excitement of traveling. She traveled with her good friend, Carol Dockter, to many places such as Branson, MO, South Dakota, and annual trips to Medora, ND. One of the most rewarding trips was to Ft. Leonardwood, MO to pick up her grandson, Tyler, from military basic training.

Ella enjoyed many things in life. You didn't happen to see her out often on Sunday afternoons, as she was an avid NASCAR race watcher. Her favorite NASCAR driver was Kevin Harvick. Ella was an avid bowler on the team "Coal Rollers", she had a wicked bowling throw. She enjoyed reading, throwing nickels into slot machines , and spending time with her favorite furry friend, Bear, a Shih tzu. Ella and Bear walked miles together enjoying each other's company and the outdoors.

As well as being a devoted wife, Ella was the best mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, roles that she cherished and lived by throughout the years. She never missed a birthday party, picnic, or school program, even if it meant driving 3 hours for a weekend visit. She was her family's biggest supporter. Nothing made her prouder than seeing her family grow and thrive.

Ella will be deeply missed by her two sons; Dan (Karen) Schelske of Mandan and Keith Schelske of Bismarck; three grandchildren; Kayla (Jesse) Sjoberg, Tyler (Marissa) Schelske and Kaitlyn Schelske (fiance Sheldon Dewald)' four great-grandchildren, Addison, Lincoln, Caleb, & Lucas; one sister, Irene Zaborowski of Winona, MN; one brother, Elmer Gall of Hot Springs, SD; two sisters-in-law, Norma Schweitzer of Eugene, OR, and Laura Eberhardt of Jamestown, ND; brother-in-law, Vernon Bader of Fargo ND; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends Matt and Sandi Thorenson.

Ella was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Martha Gall; husband Dan Sr.; sisters, Phyllis Kocher, Viola "Vi" Erickson; brothers, John Gall, Marvin Gall, and Norman Gall; brothers-in-law, Carl Zaborowski and Gordon Erickson; and sister-in-law, Donna Gall.