Ambrose Scheller

AMBROSE SCHELLER, age 78, of Sycamore, formerly of Galesburg, IL, passed away peacefully, Thursday, November 21, 2013. He was born September 29, 1935, in Dyersville, IA, the son of Ambrose Sr. and Leonette (Soppe) Scheller. Ambrose grew up in Dyersville and Dubuque and attended local schools. The family moved to California for a time during WWII where Ambrose Sr. worked in the shipyards. They returned to their roots following the war, making their home on a farm in Dubuque.During these years, Ambrose caught the eye of "the girl next door". Judy Bideaux, who lived on a farm right down the road, stole his heart and refused to return it. Ambrose was only happy to oblige as they were united in marriage on April 30, 1955. They began their new life together in a small house they were building on Southern Avenue in Dubuque and lived in the basement while it was under construction. "Uncle Sam" called for Ambrose soon after their marriage which put the house on hold for two years. When Ambrose returned to Dubuque, they continued to live in the basement until their house was finished. Their first four children – Jerry, Marianne, Lynn and Michelle – were born while living in Dubuque. In 1965, Ambrose’s work took him to Cicero where he was a dispatcher for the BNSF Railroad, a job he would faithful hold until his retirement in 1996. Judy made their house Oswego, Illinois their home and welcomed home four more children: Margaret, Mark, Melissa, and Mike. In 1984 they moved to Galesburg, Illinois where they made their home for the next 26 years before moving back north to their current home in Sycamore.Ambrose was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus in Galesburg, IL. Ambrose was gifted in woodworking, making all the cribs for the grandchildren and other pieces of furniture that have now become treasured pieces of his legacy. Judy and Ambrose always enjoyed traveling together. They often found themselves catching a train or just jumping in the car and taking a road trip. Their journeys went from Washington State to Washington DC and from Florida to Niagara Falls. The last trip they took was to the Black Hills in an RV with their daughter and son-in-law, Marianne and Don, where they met up with other family members for a reunion with most of their children. He was never happier than when he was surrounded by his family, making everlasting memories to cherish for generations to come. He is survived by eight children: Jerry Scheller (Susan Ellingson) of Seattle, WA, Marianne (Don) Schiff of Maple Park, IL, Lynn Scheller of Chariton, IA, Michelle (Randy) Ford of Cortland, IL, Margaret (Jim) Traughber of Mundelein, IL, Mark (Michelle) Scheller of Hinckley, IL, Melissa (Brian) McGuire of Knoxville, IL, and Mike Scheller (Katianne Lierman) of Sandy, ORHis grandchildren:Alex Scheller, Elizabeth Scheller, Madeleine Scheller, Matthew Schiff (Heather Rogers), Sarah Schiff, Rick Rodriguez, Sadye Scheller, Jennifer (Brian) Iddings, Rebecca Ford, Alexis FordBrandon Traughber, Zachary Traughber, Nick Young, Kayleigh Young, Joe Scheller, Ben McGuire, Nate McGuire, Luke McGuire, and Aidan Scheller;Three great-grandchildren: Keegan, Madysen, and Ryleigh;Four siblings:Merlin (Shirley) Scheller, Janet (Herb) Scattarelli, Lois (Tim) Jones and Ken (Sue) Scheller;Many nieces and nephews and a family of friends. He is preceded by his parents, Ambrose and Leonette Scheller, his wife Judy. Visitation will be from 9a.m. to noon, with a wake service to conclude visitation at noon, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL, on Saturday, November 23, 2013. Following cremation, a memorial mass will be held at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Maple Park, Saturday, December 7th, at 10:30 a.m. Fr. Dennis Morrissy, pastor of the church, will officiate with interment to follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Maple Park, IL. A memorial has been established in his name to benefit his favorite charities including DeKalb County Hospice. Checks may be made to the "Ambrose Scheller Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.