Joseph (Joe) Frank Scheffler, 98

Joseph (Joe) Frank Scheffler, age 98, of rural New Prague, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2020, at Traditions of Montgomery, where he and Evelyn have resided for nearly two months.   Joe was born on April 7, 1922, on a farm in Helena Twp., Scott County, MN to George and Anna (Jacques) Scheffler.   His loving wife, Evelyn and his children, are gratefull to have been able to spend days and nights with him until he passed.  

Joe married the love of his life, Evelyn Stepka, on June 12, 1948, at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Cedar Lake, Jordan, MN, where he was a member for 72 years.  His Catholic faith was dear to him, along with his beautiful bride Evelyn, with whom he was blessed to celebrate 72 years of marriage.

Joe was a devoted dairy farmer all his working days, and there was no place he'd rather spend his time, than on the farm, tending to the land and animals.  He was an active volunteer in his church,  a member of the National Farmers Organization and in 1960 the Minneapolis Star Tribune awarded Joe for his accomplishment in soil and water conservation on his farm.  He enjoyed gardening with Evelyn and the kids, going to farm auctions, talking politics, and watching his sons and grandson's play little league baseball.  His ability to keep machinery running surpassed all expectation.

Besides being a devoted husband, he was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He loved babies; even in his ripe age of 98, his face lit up when a baby entered the room.  He umpired many baseball games in the backyard, where his children and neighbor children and later grandchildren, loved to play ball. 

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn:  3 daughters, Mary (Pete Nytes) Waterville, Gloria (Larry Flicek) Rochester, Eileen (Andy Froelich) Park Rapids,  4 sons: Hilary and Marilyn (Chrast) Lonsdale, Mark and Sandy (VonBank) New Prague, Paul and Angie ( Mc Donough) Faribault,  John and Patricia (Braith) St. Patrick, 28 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren (soon to be 50), brother and sister-in-law, Ralph (Pat Voracek) Scheffler, sister, Sr. Mary Lucy Scheffler, and sister-in-law, Charlene Scheffler, and many nieces and nephews.   He is preceded in death by his daughter, Monica at age 5, grandson, Isaac Paul Scheffler, his parents, five sisters and brother-in-laws: Mary and Elmer Karl, Louise Jaruszewski, Florence and Dan McCarthy, Margaret and Jerome Stans, Mildred and Don Hauer and 4 brothers and sisters-in-law:  Al and Lucille Scheffler, Leo and Mary Scheffler, Eddie and Rosie Scheffler, and Matt Scheffler and several nieces and nephews.

Due to Covid-19 funeral arrangements are pending.  Condolences may be sent to:  Traditions of Montgomery  C/O Evelyn Scheffler  399 Lexington Ave NW   Montgomery MN 56069.  If you wish to make a memorial gift of money, please send to: St. Patrick Catholic Church of Cedar Lake, Memorial for Joe Scheffler, 24425 Old Hwy 13  Jordan MN 55352.