David (Dave) J. Schelb, age 72, of Fort Atkinson, WI passed away on January 27, 2024, at home with his wife by his side after a 10-year battle against Stage Four Prostate Cancer with Bone Metastases.

Dave was born on February 12, 1951, in Fort Atkinson to Marian (Obermeier) and Elmer Schelb. He married his soulmate Betty Wagie on August 25, 1984.

Dave (also known as Whale by his co-workers), worked at Jones Dairy Farm for 39 years, retiring in 2013. He served in the Army National Guard for eight years and was a member of Paul Frank Florine American Legion Post #116.

Dave and Betty enjoyed traveling throughout the USA as well as some destination vacations, visits to casinos, watching the Badgers, Packers, Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks, going to the Whitewater Wm. Graham American Legion Post #173 Cabin in Lake Tomahawk, playing cards and spending time with family.

Dave is survived by his loving wife Betty of 39 years, daughter Heather (David) Neustadt, son Ryan (Jessica) Schelb, grandchildren Conner & Jamison Neustadt, brother Donald Schelb, Mounds View, Minnesota, brother-in-law Bill (Jane) Wagie, sisters-in-law Mary (Russ) Rogers, Eileen (Fred) Laatsch, Dorothy (Stan) Waga, several nieces and nephews, and bonus sister and brother Sandy and Ron Troemel.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents Elmer Schelb and Marian Lueder, sister Joan Laird, father and mother-in-law Walter and Jean Wagie, sister in-law Joan Wagie, and nieces Stacie Rogers, and Nicole Wagie.

Per Dave’s wishes a formal visitation will not be held, instead a Celebration of Life will be held on February 10, 2024 at the American Legion Dugout in Fort Atkinson from 11 to 2. A final farewell prayer and Military honors will take place at noon, followed by a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Rainbow Community Care (formerly known as Rainbow Hospice), St Jude’s, Camp American Legion Lake Tomahawk, Wi, or a charity of your choice in Dave’s memory.

Dave’s family would like to thank family and friends for all the support through his cancer battle. Special thanks go out to Dr. Shannon O’Mahar and the staff at SSM Dean Oncology in Janesville, Rainbow Community Care, and Dr. Stephen Riggs and the staff at SSM Fort for the amazing and compassionate care Dave received throughout his ten-year cancer battle.