Marj Schelfhout

Marjorie Schelfhout of Osakis left this life on Monday, January 28, 2008 after 87 years. She was a resident of the Community Memorial Home in Osakis, MN.
Marj entered the world on a cold winter's day on January 16, 1921 in West Union, MN. She was one of six children born to Domino and Stephanie (Deyaeger) Schelfhout. The family moved to a farm on Lake Osakis when Marj was only four years old. She helped on the farm and attended school, graduating from Osakis High School in 1938. She went on to further her education at the St. Cloud State Teacher's college, receiving her bachelor of science degree in Physical Education and English in 1942. After attending summer school at the University of MN she received her Master's degree in education. Her first teaching job was at the Barnum High School. She then took employment at Buchanan High School in Michigan, then a high school and junior college in Grinnel, Iowa. Always ready for the next adventure, Marj then moved to Ellendale, North Dakota and taught at the college there. She traveled out to West Virginia and taught at a technical college in Montgomery, WV. Next stop was at the state college in Stevens Point, WI where she lived and taught for over 11 years. Marj retured to her hometown of Osakis in 1966. She lived with and cared for her father and uncle after her mother's death. She worked at St. Agnes Parochial school and continued to volunteer her time and talents there for over 30 years, retiring in 2001.
Marj was a member of the Immaculate Conception parish in Osakis and was the author of the church's centennial parish history. A great storyteller, Marj was known as the local historian for many of the people and places in Osakis's history as well. She was an avid reader all of her life and enjoyed attending her monthly book club meetings. Golfing, gardening and painting were other pastimes she enjoyed. Though never married, she had a special love for the many students she had taught over the years.
Marj is survived by her sisters, Sophie Weber and Rosalie Kreemer, both of Osakis, Marie & James Schoener of Cosmos, MN; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Resurrection was held for Marj on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 10:30 am at the Immaculate Conception church in Osakis with Fr. Ralph Zimmerman officiating. Interment was in the family plot at Calvary Cemetery in Osakis. Honorary pallbearers were the students and staff at St. Agnes School and her Friday Night Supper Club group. Active pallbearers were David and Jim Kreemer, Mary Hintzmann, Jim Schoener, Cathy Hromatka and Theresa Hayden.
Arrangements were handled by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home, Osakis, MN.