Earl Schellhorn

Earl Alan Schellhorn, age 76, of Chatfield, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Cedar Court in Adams, Minnesota.

Earl was born on December 16, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, to Edmund and Elizabeth (Carlino) Schellhorn. He was raised in Chicago and graduated from Lane Tech High School. Following graduation, Earl proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War era and was stationed in Korea from 1971 to 1973.

On June 8, 1974, Earl married the love of his life, Karen Unverzagt, in Chicago. Together they built a wonderful life and raised their son, Jeff. Earl spent his career as a skilled iron worker, building railings, balconies, stairs, and other ironwork for many prominent buildings throughout the Chicago area. He owned and operated an ironworking shop alongside his father and brother-in-law, a profession that was truly his passion. Earl was highly talented in his trade, known for his ability to troubleshoot complex challenges and engineer practical solutions. Those who worked with him knew him as a craftsman who took great pride in his work.

Outside of work, Earl enjoyed fishing of any kind. In 2016, Earl and Karen moved to Chatfield to enjoy retirement and looked forward to escaping the cold each March by wintering in Texas. He treasured spending time at the campground and playing cards, especially cribbage and 500, with his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Cork, Bill, Bruce, Net, Ginger, and Karen. Above all, Earl enjoyed the simple pleasures of family, friendship, and time spent with those he loved. He shared a particularly special bond with his granddaughter, Erin, and greatly enjoyed watching her grow and celebrating the joy she brought to his life.

Earl is survived by his wife, Karen Schellhorn of Chatfield; son, Jeff (Meg) Schellhorn of Gleason, Wisconsin; granddaughter, Erin Schellhorn of Merrill, Wisconsin; brother, Al (Judy) Schellhorn; sister, Diane Mate; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Elizabeth Schellhorn; parents-in-law, Bob and Elaine Unverzagt; sister-in-law, Patricia Schellhorn; and brothers-in-law, Tom Mate and Bruce Unverzagt.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at Hoff Funeral Home, 800 S Main St, Chatfield, Minnesota. A private inurnment will take place at the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota at a later date.