In the afternoon of September 24, 2026, Harry Myron Scheele passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of ninety-one.

Harry was born on January 19, 1935, in Lubbock, Texas, and was adopted by Harry G. Scheele and Madge M. Scheele. Following his adoption, the family returned to their hometown of Belle Fourche, South Dakota. Harry grew up in the area and attended schools in Belle Fourche and Sturgis. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1956. He completed his training but was medically discharged because of leg injuries he had sustained in a small-plane crash when he was eighteen.

After leaving the Army, Harry returned home to Sturgis, South Dakota, and enrolled at Black Hills State College. There, he met his future wife, Violet. They were married on March 8, 1958, at Sturgis Catholic Church.

Harry and Violet continued their education in the teaching program at Black Hills State, and Harry graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1961. During that time, Harry and Violet welcomed two children, Harry Jay and Colette Scheele.

After graduation, Harry was offered a teaching position in Roseburg, Oregon, and the family subsequently moved to Roseburg. Harry and Violet both taught in the Roseburg school system until their retirement in 1993. During that time, Harry earned his master’s degree in education from Oregon State University in Corvallis in 1973.

In 1966, Harry and Violet bought a small ranch in Dixonville, Oregon, where they lived for 40 years. They then moved to Winchester, Oregon, where they lived for 18 years. In 2024, Harry and Violet moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico, to be closer to their daughter, Colette.

Harry suffered a stroke in March 2026 and lived at Beehive Homes until his passing on September 24, 2026.

Throughout his life, Harry was a bit of an artist, painter, and builder. He could often be found in his shop building furniture, painting, or repairing something. However, his greatest joy was airplanes. Harry took flying instruction at Roseburg Skyways and earned his private and commercial pilot licenses. He worked at Skyways for years, giving pilot lessons and flying customers on chartered flights. In addition, Harry owned small planes and earned his aircraft mechanic certification.

Harry is survived by Violet Scheele, his wife of 68 years, and their children, Harry Jay and Colette Scheele. He lived a long and full life and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Harry requested cremation and asked that his remains eventually be placed with Violet’s. Because the burial location has not yet been decided, funeral or memorial service arrangements are unavailable at this time.