Virginia Schellhorn 89 of Oelwein and formerly from Oran passed away Tuesday November 10, 2020 at MercyOne Medical Center in Waterloo.
She was born December 21, 1930 in Sumner the daughter of Walter and Gladys (Robertson) Tonn. Virginia married Lorenz Herman Schellhorn on February 18, 1949 in Readlyn. Lorenz preceded her in death on October 13, 2019.
Virginia attended and graduated from Randalia High School. She and Lorenz raised their family in Oran and besides being a loving wife, mother and grandmother she drove school bus for Wapsie Valley Community Schools for an amazing 50 years. Virginia took pride and joy in being a dedicated bus driver, she truly cared about the children that she transported back and forth to school every day and to thousands of activities during her career.
Virginia is survived by her son Donald Schellhorn of Urbana, two daughters; Cathy (Melvin) Gonnerman Sr. of Waverly and Marlys (Roger) Boleyn of Oelwein, five grandchildren; Melvin Gonnerman Jr. Philip Gonnerman, Michael Schellhorn, Mae Lee Nutter and Elizabeth Boleyn, 11 great-grandchildren; Marshall Gonnerman, Madison Gonnerman, Gaston Gonnerman, Megan Gonnerman, Drew Schellhorn, Hudson Nutter, Ellie Schellhorn, Genessa Gonnerman, Payton Nutter, Willow Boleyn and Braxton Boleyn. Siblings; Robert (Lorraine) Tonn of Clinton, Marilyn (Donald) Anderson of Britt, Ruby (Dick) Johnson of Sumner, Marjorie Scharnhorst of Oelwein, Larry (Lorraine) Tonn of Cedar Falls and Shirley (Robert) Bany of Red Rock, Arizona along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lorenz, a son Bryan Ray Schellhorn and a daughter-in-law Debra Schellhorn.
Virginia loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always considered all of the children that she transported during her long bus driving career as her bus family.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic there will be private family graveside services.
Interment: Grove Hill Cemetery, rural Readlyn, Iowa.
Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation. Cards may sent in care of Virginia to Marlys Boleyn, 209 7th Avenue SW. Oelwein, IA 50662
Condolences for Virginia Mae Schellhorn
Condolences to all of Virginia’s family. She is an Oran and Wapsie Valley icon. The respect she had from neighbors and students was heartily deserved. She always took pride in the things she was involved in.
So sorry to hear this news. There was no one like Mrs. Virginia!
So sorry for your loss. Condolences to her family.
Virginia was truly a loving mother to the Wapsie Valley students and staff. She volunteered hours to transport my students everywhere during our AIDS PROGRAM. Her bus kids towed the line and learned respect and manners. The athletes depleted her pockets when they forgot their own money. She always had a kind word for staff and made me smile. Rest In Peace dear one. You are loved by many.
So sorry for your loss. Got to spend time with her at Arlington Place when mom was up there. Loved talking to her!
So sorry for your loss. LOVED knowing the family while growing up around Oran. Special lady. Always had a smile and a kind word.
Condolences to the family. Virginia and I shared many stories at WV. A true WV icon. Rest In Peace, Virginia.
Virginia was my Wapsie travelling Mom. She took such good care of us whether it was driving us to speech contests or athletic events. She was also our greatest fan. Her laugh would make you smile, but a frown also let us know if we had crossed a line. She was truly one of a kind and is a part of many of my best high school memories. Although the Wapsie Valley Warriors have lost her on Earth, Heaven has gained an Angel who will always be watching over them.
My condolences to the family! I always loved our conversations! Knowing she cared about my nephew as he rode her bus was just the greatest!!
Sending our sympathies
Lots of love & prayers sent to Marlys & family. Many years of Virginia from riding her bus to working at school. My heart goes out to all of you.
Oh the memories of Virginia on all the bus rides to sporting events! She always kept it fun but kept us in line!
So very sorry for your loss. I know our Wapsie kids loved and respected her. Me too!
One of a kind lady and bus driver. She was so very loyal to Wapsie Valley. Our condolences. She will be missed.
Virginia was always sitting in the bleachers at WV events. She’d greet us with a big smile as we entered the gym, and tell us a quick fun ‘bus’ story. It kept us informed and let us know that their was always someone watching over and caring for our kids when we couldn’t be with them! She was a sweetie! Definitely an icon! RIP Virginia! You will be missed!
Virginia loved Wapsie Valley…she was loved by so many!!
My sympathies to the entire Schellhorn family. RIP Virginia.
What a pleasure to ride on Virginia’s Wapsie Valley bus route for years and we always got home safe. Now Virginia is home, bless her and her fun personality!! God Bless her family.
So sorry for your loss of a lovely lady. Best bus driver ever!
Sorry to hear of your loss, she was known and liked by so many.
The Schellhorns had my Wapsie bus route….Virginia was the best bus driver….safety always first. I extend my sincere sympathy to the Schellhorn family.
Don, so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Although I don’t believe we ever met her, she must have been a wonderful mom and friend to all. We know she raised a caring son.
Virginia was an outstanding woman,I can remember being a young kid riding her bus to school. It was stated correctly that ” she thought of all the children she transported as her bus family” and we felt no differently- She will be missed and not forgotten.
Virginia was a great friend to all whose path she crossed. We will miss you so much.
Our prayers and thoughts go out to her family. May they find comfort in the time to come. Rest In Peace Virginia.
Very sorry to hear of your loss. We enjoyed seeing her and her family every Sunday morning at Luigi’s. She had a very warm smile. Miss those days!