Reynold Schellenberg

On July 31, 2024, at approximately 6:20 am, Jesus, in His great love and mercy, was with Reynold Bernard Schellenberg as he walked through the valley of death to be with Him.

Rey was pre-deceased by his parents, sisters Laura and Linda, and brother John. He is survived by Shirley, his wife of 64 years, sons Brent (Ingrid), and Greg; daughter Nancy; one grand daughter, Sandi; and three great grandchildren.

Rey was the 2nd child born to Henry (Rempel) Schellenberg and Anna (nee Braun) Schellenberg. He grew up on a small acreage in the Amsterdam S. D. His early education was in the one-room Amsterdam School; his high school was completed at the Mennonite Collegiate Institute, Gretna.

After graduation, he moved to Winnipeg to live with his older sister who worked at the Canadian Wheat Board on Main St. She heard that a nearby bank was hiring, so Rey applied and got a job immediately. The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) became his lifetime employer and his career path as an accountant and bank manager. After retirement, he and Shirley moved to Belair where he was a long-time member of the Wayside Gospel Chapel. He also volunteered his skills to several charities, including Union Gospel Mission, and the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society.

He met the love of his youth on a blind date, which he often described as “I was smitten!”. He and Shirley Hamell were married at the Evangelical Free Church in Windsor Park on August 13, 1960 ... and, as the saying goes, ‘the rest is history.’

Two sons were born to them: Russel Brent, and Gregory James. Later, they adopted a baby girl, Nancy Leanne.

Rey had been transferred to the 2nd floor of the Niverville Heritage Care Home in January, 2024, where he stayed until his passing. These were seven difficult months both because of the distance from his family as well as his lack of ability to speak. The family is grateful for every act of kindness that was shown to him, and for putting up with our frequent phone calls when we were not able to be physically present.

Memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Altona Senior Centre.  Interment will take place prior to the service at 1:00 p.m. at the Altona Cemetery.  Viewing will be at Wiebe Funeral Home Altona on Wednesday, August 7 from 1:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Donations in memory of Rey may be made to Union Gospel Mission, or to Focus on the Family.