Michael Joseph Schelske, a selfless servant to those he loved, died Nov. 12 at his home surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 45.

   A two-time cancer survivor, he had overcome brain cancer as a boy, as well as colon cancer as an adult, to live a rich and full life, with a job, home, and his pride and joy: his family.

   He was born Jan. 21, 1978, in Aberdeen, S.D., to Gary and Susan Schelske. He grew up in Redfield, S.D., where he played clarinet in the school band, earned his Ham Radio license by age 9, and loved participating in Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Redfield High School in 1996 and studied at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, N.D.

   In 2007, he met the love of his life Amber Hutton. They were married on August 15, 2009. Three years later, they welcomed their very biggest blessing: their son Isaac. Mike loved nothing more than being a father and often enjoyed father son video game nights.

   He was employed by the West Fargo School District, working as a custodian at Heritage Middle School, a job that he loved.

   He was known for always being willing to go the extra mile for the people in his life. One time he came to his in-laws’ rescue, when the yard of their new house had been graded and the sprinkler heads were buried in unknown locations; here came Michael, metal detector in hand. A recent announcement from Heritage Middle School noted “Mike took pride in everything he did, whether it be putting salt on the school sidewalks at 4 a.m., removing graffiti, or noticing the small things that needed to be addressed each day. Mike not only had an exceptional work ethic but a kindness that could make anyone’s day better.”  

   He enjoyed hunting, camping, and Cowboy Fast Draw. He was a member of the Pyrotechnics Guild International and his fascination with fireworks took him to pyrotechnic conventions around the country.

   Survivors include wife, Amber, and 11-year-old son, Isaac; parents, Gary and Susan Schelske; Grandparents George and Irene Imbery; siblings Brent (Kate) Schelske, Sara (Gunnar) Olson; In-laws Dawn (Matt) Langlie, Terry (Daphne) Hutton, Adam (Katie) Hutton; and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews.

   He was preceded in death by Grandparents Rudy and Margaret Schelske; Nephew Jackson Hutton; and Cousin Ryan Imbery.

   A memorial will be held Monday, Nov. 20, at Boulger Funeral Home, 123 10^th St S., Fargo. Visitation starts at 1 p.m.; the service will be held at 2 p.m. The family requests attendees to dress casually, as Michael would have wanted.

   In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks you to consider donating to an education fund for Michael’s son.  Donations can be directed to Alerus Financial 3137 32^nd Ave S, Fargo ND 58103 for Isaac Schelske.

   Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. To sign the online guestbook and view Michael’s service, please visit www.boulgerfuneralhome.com