Jeanne M. Scheler
December 14, 1955 ~ July 27, 2013
Jeanne Mary Scheler went to be with the Lord on July 27, 2013 after a 2 year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born to Joe and Julie Kotyza on December 14, 1955, the 2nd of 6 children. She is survived by her parents; sisters, Jo (Henry Waechter), Patti (Peter Seidl), and Kay (Jeff Stoeger); brother, Kenny (Wendy); Sister-in-Kind Kathy Ratajczak (Tony). Jeanne was preceded in death by a brother Tom, brother-in-law, Alan and father-in-law, Bruce. Jeanne is also survived by 8 other siblings on her husband, Bernies side as well as her mother-in-law, Rosemary Merkly. Jeanne attended school in Kewaunee, WI and obtained a nursing degree from NWTC in 1976. She was previously married to Russ Meyer (survives) from February 1975 to February 1998 and had 3 children with him. Surviving her is son, Matthew Meyer (Jenny) of Bremen IN; daughter, Melanie Becker (Clark) of Hudson WI; and daughter, Markki Meyer, a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota-Morris. She is also survived by Russs parents, Clayton and Mary Ann Meyer. Jeanne remarried in 2000 to the true love of her life Bernie Scheler. Living in North Branch, MN in the home Bernie built in the 1970s, Jeanne worked as a home-ventilator care nurse for the same client for 14 years. She held the family of her client and friend Jen Mundl and her parents Dick and Doris very close; they were her second family. Jeanne is also survived by her step-children Ryan (Amy), step-daughter Jill and also Tammy Scheler. There are 8 grandchildren ages 14 and younger amongst the two blended families. Family was a big part of Jeannes life and spending time with her husband in nature was a top priority. She was extremely physically fit prior to her illness and was always health-conscious. She was a fabulous cook and there was nothing she couldnt tackle in the kitchen. Her from scratch approach always surprised her family because they never knew how she got the finished product to taste so delicious! Together, Jeanne and Bernie processed almost all of their meat and a great deal of their produce. Jeanne fought her battle against pancreatic cancer with dignity and grace since the first day of diagnosis in July 2011. She is an inspiration to all because of her strength, compassion and selflessness. She will be deeply missed by many but has left an everlasting legacy behind. A celebration of Jeannes life will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 2:30 PM in Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Drive SW, Forest Lake with a gathering of family and friends beginning at 1:00 PM. Contributions in Jeannes memory can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network through the following weblink: purpleride.kintera.org/twincities/markkipr.
Dear Markki and family, your mom is an amazing lady, and will always be! Life is just a journey and she sure did enjoy it with her amazing family and friends. I am very happy I got to know her through you and sheri being good friends. We are here for you when ever you need to talk. Take care, Joanne and Sheri
Jeanne, it was so wonderful to meet you at your house last year. You’re an inspiration to me. Watch down over all of us here as we continue our life’s missions. Your family will be in our prayers.
Dear Jeanne, I am not going to say goodbye my dear friend. You fought an awesome battle and on your Journey taught many of us your so much, How to stick together and love is everlasting!! I remember you told me when your time comes you would find my little grandson Landon and tell him how much we loved him and how much Nana missed him that was just like you so unselfish to think of others. Jeanne your own a new Journey now. Your legacy will live on. Its not goodbye. I will see you again my amazing friend you will never be forgotton.
I am so grateful I had the pleasure of talking to Jeanne online. She was honest and open about her fight. Her spirit and “spunk” in fighting her fight was an inspiration to us when my husband was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. At a time when most would hide and cry, Jeanne was out there spreading the word and supporting others! What a wonderful, beautiful woman. She will be missed and forever loved.
Dearest Jeanne,
I got to meet you on caring-bridge and was deliighted to have an exchange with you carrying your words and mine across the ocean to and from Germany. Having fought cancer myself, I am humbled by your fight and by your strength you put up to the last moment. I am relieved that you suffer no longer and that the angels have embraced you and carried you into heaven. Please watch over us.As I cannot attend your celebration of life, as I live in Germany I will definitively light a candle in church for you and be with you in spirit and prayer. May God bless you and grant you eternal peace. My sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Jeanne,
Sincerely Elke
Jeanne I will never forget you. Being only 11 months to-the-day younger than you, we always kidded that we were twins for that one month every year. I was so glad that Bernie opened your home and allowed me to be with you during your last moments. You taught me so much these last 2 years. I will hold you in my heart always. Much Love …..