Michael "Mike" Lee Schelm

God welcomed Michael Lee Schelm home on October 8, 2024. He was surrounded by his father, mother, and sister at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho, after an unexpected health issue occurred one week after his 53rd birthday.

Mike was born on October 2, 1971 to Patricia I. (Allen) and Kenneth Lee Schelm, and joined older sister, Paula, at their home near Ainsworth, Nebraska. 

Mike grew up in the Ainsworth area, attending District #20 Elementary School. He was a smart child and always earned good grades and graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1990. As with all high school experiences, there were accolades and accidents that made it memorable. A few memories of Mike from high school included him being the Co-Champion of the Freshmen Ping Pong Tournament and the time in Mr. Talbot’s chemistry class when he mixed two chemicals which caused a small explosion. During high school, Mike worked at Farmers-Ranchers Co-op as a COE student and also for the State of Nebraska Department of Roads. After high school while trying to decide what career to pursue, he worked for Ainsworth Pork Inc. Throughout it all, Mike was a quiet and friendly person, genuinely respected by his classmates, teachers, and co-workers.

Mike attended Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska, where he received his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology in December of 1995. It was a good fit for Mike and taught him how to think and act with innovation in this field. 

After college graduation, Mike accepted a position with Advanced Energy in Fort Collins, Colorado. After the company moved abroad, Mike worked in financial markets for several years. He then moved to Idaho Falls, and was working for Curtiss Wright Company. For the past 13 years, he developed and repaired modules for nuclear power plants. His mother, Patty, also lived there, and Mike became a great helper to her while they lived together.

Mike was very devoted to both of his parents. He faithfully called his dad every Sunday at 8:00 PM. They both loved NASCAR races, discussed them in-depth, and even managed to attend a few races together. When he was young, his family enjoyed many trips in the slide-in pickup camper, and traveled much of the country together. Many weekends were spent at Thunder Valley Dragways in Marion, South Dakota, where Kenny drag-raced his 1968 Chevy Camaro called “Good Vibrations”. Mike was always part of the “pit crew”.

 On one occasion, Mike drove his dad and Becky to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Mike, like his dad, didn’t really care for mountains too much, due to his dislike of heights. Mike always remembered birthdays of those he loved, was a kind soul and will be forever missed.

Mike is survived by his father, Kenny (Becky) Schelm; mother, Patricia Allen; sister, Paula (Ernie) Larsen; niece, Margo (Jason) Lehn; three nephews, Jake (Kristine) Larsen, Matt Larsen, and Lane (Robyn) Larsen; step-siblings, Valerie Beel, Henry (Mary) Beel, Frank (Jennifer) Beel, and Adam (Jenny) Beel; six great-grandnieces and nephews; along with numerous other family members and friends. 

Memorial Service was held October 26, 2024 at the Ainsworth Free Church, officiated by Pastor Charles Kieffer. Congregational hymn “Old Rugged Cross” was followed by CD selections of “When I Get Where I’m Going” by Brad Paisley and “Go Rest High On That Mountain” by Vince Gill. The obituary was read by Margo Lehn.  Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Ainsworth Cemetery. Memorials have been suggested to the Brown County Ambulance Association in Mike’s name. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth assisted with arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.hochfuneralhome.com.