Reverend Gary C. Scheller

Reverend Gary Carl Scheller of Highland, Illinois passed away on January 24, 2025, at Aviston Countryside Manor at 6:12 p.m. with his family by his side. Reverend Gary Carl Scheller was born in Mt. Olive, Illinois on November 28, 1938, to Carl Albert and Mable Aleta (Randle) Scheller. As a child he enjoyed the outdoors and keeping a variety of animals as pets, even a flying squirrel. He graduated from Mt. Olive High School in 1956 where he excelled in his academics and participated in a variety of activities including band, baseball and basketball. Gary went on to graduate from McKendree College in 1962 and the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in 1966. Gary was married to Patricia Ann Viehweg on June 23, 1962 at the Methodist Church in Mt. Olive, IL. He spent 38 years (1962-2000) as a United Methodist Pastor serving many churches throughout Southern Illinois. He provided for the spiritual needs of his congregations in Wanda, South Roxanna, Troy, Anna, Carlyle, Sparta and Trenton Illinois. He enjoyed many travels with the church youth group; from leadership at Little Grassy Camp, volunteering on various missions trips, to hiking in Wyoming and fishing in Canada. He also enjoyed a meaningful trip to The Holy Land with the United Methodist Conference. In addition to his love of God, he cherished his family, his wife Pat of 62 years, and their daughters Susan and Dara and their families. Gary was active in his community as a member of the Lions Club as well as other organizations. In his free time and in retirement, Gary was an avid outdoorsman. He greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and golfing. He had many memorable hunting and fishing trips with family and friends, especially his brother Gale, nephew Randy, brothers-in-law Harold and Mark, and his good friend, Allen. He and his dear friend Tom enjoyed earning their Master Gardening Certification from the University of Illinois as well as traveling to many Civil War Historical Sites. You could always find Gary with one of his beloved English Setters by his side. Gary also liked reading books about historical figures and watching baseball. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and following his grandson Noah’s baseball teams from little league through now at the collegiate level. He also enjoyed attending his granddaughter Nataleigh’s many musical theater productions and band performances. His sense of humor, caring demeanor, deep faith and sharing the love of Christ will be missed by all that knew him, especially his family. Gary is survived by his wife Pat, two daughters: Susan (Charles) Pollard of Highland, IL and Dara (Paul) Scheller-Houska and grandchildren Nataleigh and Noah Scheller-Houska of St. Louis, MO. Sister: Colene (Harold) France of Tulsa, OK. Brother-in-law: Mark (Karen) Viehweg of Litchfield, IL and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and many dear friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Edward Viehweg; mother-in-law, Aileen Viehweg; his brother, Gale Scheller; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Scheller and Joan Scheller; and his brother-in-law, Dennis Viehweg. A celebration of life will be held on April 26, 2025, at 12pm at Highland Hope United Methodist Church, located at 12846 Daiber Rd., Highland, IL 62249. Memorial contributions may be made to Highland Area Christian Service Ministry (Highland Food Pantry) or United Methodist Preacher’s Aid Society & Benefit Fund.

Reverend Gary C. Scheller

November 28, 1938 - January 24, 2025