Greg Scheler
Greg Scheler, 69, passed away September 22, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He passed away at his home in Long Prairie surrounded by his beloved wife and children.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Greg’s honor Saturday, October 12 at Frosty’s Spirit & Social Club/Batcher Opera House, 418 Second Ave. NE in Staples, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a special memorial service at 2 p.m. to honor his life and legacy.
Throughout his nearly seven-year battle, he courageously beat cancer twice, survived numerous health issues and never once complained. He took on that journey just as he did with everything else in his life– with integrity, humor, tenacity and grace.
Gregory Jon Scheler was born January 31, 1955 in St. Paul. He grew up on the east side of St. Paul, one of ten children. He graduated from Johnson High School in St.Paul. Although he experienced a difficult childhood at times he persevered through hard work, an unwavering spirit and was driven to be successful. He started his first job at age eight working for Gene Gouette’s grocery store delivering groceries on his bike on the east side.
In his late teens, Greg started as an entry-level production worker at Whirlpool Corporation in St.Paul. He worked his way up to a leadman position, running manufacturing lines and managing a crew that included his future wife, Janine (Maher) Scheler. They fell in love and were married on August 2, 1975 in Circle Pines. They had three children, Nicole, Jon and Amy and four grandchildren, Christian, Scarlett, Elliot and Alyce.
In the early 1980’s, Greg started working at PAR Systems in Shoreview as a Project Manager and Robotics Technician traveling the world installing, fixing robots and automated systems in the manufacturing industry. Based out of Detroit, Michigan, during his early career, his travels took him to South Korea, Denmark and Germany, to name a few and throughout the United States.
In 1989, he accepted a position as the Robotics Instructor at Central Lakes College in Staples, bringing his invaluable industry insight, connections and knowledge to the robotics program building a reputation for high placement rates for students while simultaneously inspiring hundreds to succeed. During his nearly 30-year tenure as a robotics instructor, he helped build a program that continues to be successful today.
Greg enjoyed the outdoors, camping, hunting and fishing. He was intelligent, funny, hardworking, strong and above all else was devoted to his family, especially his children and grandchildren. Greg was an avid reader and football fan and loved old Western movies and history, especially World War II. His legacy and impact on his family, friends, students and colleagues will undoubtedly stand the test of time. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be missed dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Janine; two daughters, Nicole (Bob) Stracek and Amy Scheler; one son, Jon (Hannah) Scheler and four grandchildren, Christian Scheler, Scarlett and Elliot Stracek and Alyce Scheler.
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