John E. Scheldberg

John E. Scheldberg passed away on October 22, 2026, at the age of 83. He was a wonderful man, deeply loved by his family, who find comfort in knowing that he was reunited with his beloved wife, Nancy, just one month after her passing.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from noon to 1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 p.m. at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 First Street West, Jordan, Minnesota.

John and Nancy will be laid to rest together at a future date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, with full military honors provided by the Fort Snelling Honor Guard.

John Edward Scheldberg was born to Vernon and Charlotte (Hanson) Scheldberg in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, on April 19, 1943. He loved growing up in Northern Minnesota, where he developed an early love for the outdoors, fishing, boats, and engines. If it had wheels, wings, or a motor, John was fascinated by it.

He learned many valuable lessons from his uncles, George and Henry, two men who meant the world to him. They taught him the importance of hard work, respect, and taking care of what you owned. John believed that if something broke, you fixed it rather than threw it away. His garage was his sanctuary, and his tools were always kept clean, organized, and ready for the next project.

After graduating from high school, John answered the call to serve his country by joining the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed on a remote island off the coast of Alaska, where he served on a missile crew during the Cuban Missile Crisis. John was immensely proud of his military service. It instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, patriotism, and camaraderie that stayed with him throughout his life.

When he returned home, he found the love of his life. John met Nancy at a mutual friend's party, and it wasn't long before he knew she was the one. They married, built a life together, and settled in Burnsville to raise their three children. John was a devoted father, attending his children’s school and sporting events as well as all the important milestones in their lives.

John planned his retirement along with his wife Nancy for the same year. They packed up their RV and set out to explore the country, traveling the entire Lewis and Clark Trail, discovering Florida and Texas, and spending warm winters enjoying the sunshine in Yuma, Arizona. Their adventures reflected the life they loved building together.

Family was everything to John, and there was no place he would rather gather everyone than the old family homestead cabin on Fish Lake. As often as possible, weekends and holidays were spent there fishing, relaxing, and making treasured memories on the water.

As the years passed, John became even more warmhearted and outgoing. He made friends wherever he went, greeting others with an easy smile and a story to share. Whether he was working on a project in his garage, enjoying the outdoors, traveling with Nancy, or spending time with family and friends, John found joy in life's simple pleasures.

John was a proud veteran, a skilled tinkerer, an avid outdoorsman, and a loyal friend. Above all, he was a devoted husband to Nancy and a loving father. His life was defined by his love for his family, his willingness to lend a hand, and his appreciation for the people and experiences that mattered most. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

John is survived by his children, Heidi (Oscar Sanchez) Scheldberg, Scott (Lynzie) Scheldberg, and John (Katy) Scheldberg; grandchildren Macy and Ellie, and Kaylee and Jacob; step-grandchildren Cathren, Evelyn, and Madison; and many other loving relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy (Oestreich) Scheldberg; his parents, Vernon and Charlotte Scheldberg; and his brother, Harold Scheldberg.

John's family takes comfort in knowing that he and Nancy are together again. Their love, the memories they created, and the legacy they leave behind will live on in the hearts of their family and friends.