In Memorium: Dr. Russell L. Schelkopf

March 2, 2011 — 

Dr. Russell L. Schelkopf, 80, of Sycamore, IL died Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, in DeKalb Area Retirement Center, DeKalb. Born the son of Issac and Lena (Schrock) Schelkopf June 30, 1930, in Geneva, NE. He married Bernice E. Nuss August 26, 1951, in Sutton, NE. He was a member of the Sycamore United Methodist Church and Sycamore Rotary. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a BS in Agriculture in 1952 and received a Masters of Science in 1954. Russ obtained a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1958 (graduating Valedictorian) and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Veterinary Physiology in 1958 from Iowa State University. He was a member of Illinois Veterinary Medical Assn. and American Veterinary Medical Assn. (1961 to date).

Russ and his wife, Bernice started Schelkopf Veterinary Clinic, Sycamore, IL in 1959, currently Bethany Animal Hospital. He built and operated one of the first Swine Specific Pathogen Free Laboratories from 1961-1965. He served as CEO and on the Board of Directors of Cornhusker Cattle Co. and on the board of Cornhusker Agriculture Assn. He started and continued to operate several companies, including Illini Swine which sold breeding swine. Those who knew him knew him as a passionate hunter that hunted worldwide, a passion that developed from his upbringing in rural Nebraska. He donated his collection of taxidermy mounts to the City of Sycamore, which became the Midwest Museum of Natural History.

He is survived by his wife; three sons, Michael Schelkopf of Sycamore, Charles (Nancy) Schelkopf and Steve Schelkopf both of DeKalb; six grandchildren, Christopher, Anna, Collin, Adam, Stuart and Jennae Schelkopf; sister Sharol Cisney; brothers, Robert, Stanley and Sterling Schelkopf. Predeceased by one sister, Mary Wythers; two brothers, Conley and Dean Schelkopf.

The Schelkopf family has had a long and multi-generational association the AASV. Russell was a longtime member as are his sons Michael and Charles. Likewise, his grandsons Chris and Adam are both recent veterinary school graduates and current AASV members. His brother, Sterling Schelkopf, was also a long-term member as well. Please join us at AASV in offering our condolences to the family.

Funeral service will be 10 am Saturday, March 5, 2011, in Sycamore Untied Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Avenue, Sycamore with Rev. William Landis and Rev. Harlene Harden officiating. Burial in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 3 to 8 pm Friday, March 4, in the Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd., Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk St. Sycamore. Memorials may be made to Russell Schelkopf Memorial Fund. To share a memory or send a condolence, visit http://www.olsonfn.com or for information call 815-895-6589.