The funeral service for Charles “Chuck” Schelkoph, 92, Valley City, ND will be 2:00 PM, Sunday, May 16, 2021 at Epworth United Methodist Church, Valley City.  Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, at which time a prayer service will begin.  Chuck will be laid to rest in Memory Gardens Cemetery.  The church does require masks to be worn.  The prayer service as well as the funeral will be live streamed and archived along with Chuck’s obituary on his tribute page at www.lerudschuldt.com.  Charles “Chuck” Schelkoph passed away at Mercy Hospital in Valley City on May 12, 2021.

Born to Ralph and Rose (Sasson) Schelkoph on February 3, 1929, Charles William Schelkoph was the oldest of nine siblings.  He married his wife, of 56 years, Lucille Opdahl on January 14, 1950.  They had six children:  Faith, husband Tom Casperson; Linda, husband Joe McKenna; Grant, wife Mary; Kim, husband Steve Johnson; Gwen, husband Mike Dahlen; Dave, wife Renee.

He began his career as a Journey Lineman for the REA.  He came to Valley City and was employed by Municipal Utilities as a meterman and worked his way up to Lineman.  He then became foreman of the power and water for Valley City Municipal Utilities.

He was a 70-year member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Valley City.  He was a church leader in many positions. His first love was the music ministry.  He served as a choir member for over 70 years. He also soloed for many funerals and weddings.  His love of music continued into the community as a Charter Member of the Valley City Troubadours.  He was also a member of the Gideons for many years.

For over 60 years he served as a leader for the Boy Scouts of America.  In those years he gave leadership to the boys he led.  He attained many honors, the greatest being the Silver Beaver Award.  He also achieved high ranking in The Order of the Arrow.  He had the privilege of serving as Chaplain for the BSA.

After retirement he was a daily volunteer for the Meals on Wheels Program for the Seniors Center.  He was an active member of the Good Sam Camping Organization and served as state chaplain.

After the age of 80 years, he accomplished more milestones.  He traveled to the state of Alaska. He was able to participate in a choir tour to Europe where he attended Oberammergau {passion play} in Germany.  He also participated in 3 medical mission trips to Belize.

He is survived by all 6 of his children; brothers: Jerry, Mike, and Elmer; sisters: Phyllis and Kay.  He is blessed with 19 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

In Charles Schelkoph’s memory, donations can be directed to Meals on Wheels, Valley City Troubadours or Epworth United Methodist Church.

The Lerud Mathias Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.