James R. Scheff
James R. Scheff
James “Jim” Scheff, age 86, of Ortonville, MN, died on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the hospital in Ortonville.
Memorial services were set for Wednesday, November 11, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville. Visitation was to be one hour prior to the service. Burial is at Mound Cemetery.
James “Jim” Richard Scheff was born on May 31, 1940, in Big Stone City to Martin and Lillian (Anderson) Scheff. He attended Big Stone City School and began working at the age of 15 at the canning factory. He later worked for North Star Dairy in Big Stone City, delivering milk to area residents.
Jim and Doris Crocker married on July 15, 1961, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville. They had three children.
Jim and Doris started their married life in Milbank, where Jim worked at the Dakota Granite quarry. They later moved to Sioux Falls, where he worked in construction, before returning to Ortonville, where they made their home for nearly 60 years. There, Jim was self-employed doing construction throughout the area.
Jim later accepted a position as a custodian at the Ortonville School. He retired from the school in 2008, but continued doing construction work and helping others with their projects.
Jim loved hunting and fishing, fixing things, playing games of dice. He will be remembered for his quick wit and a sense of humor. Jim was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he served as a trustee and usher.
Jim is survived by his wife; children, Greg (Sandy) Scheff of Waconia, MN, and Kim (Scott) Worrall of Faribault, MN; grandchildren, Amanda Neubauer, Brody Scheff, Bronson Scheff, Nathan Worrall, and AJ Worrall; great-grandchildren, Aubrey Neubauer, Alayna Neubauer, Jaxon Neubauer, Emilia Scheff, Miles Scheff, Nolan Scheff, Malaya Scheff, Raelynn Scheff, and Cade Scheff; siblings, Phyllis Christensen of Maple Grove, MN, Helen Brotzel of Milbank, Sandy Reyes of Sioux Falls, Ron (Carol) Scheff of Big Stone City; brothers-in-law, Larry (Cathy) Crocker, Rick Crocker, and sister-in-law, Linda Schwarze.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Richard Scheff; siblings, Elaine Raddatz, Betty Danielson, Mary Ann Wells, Robert Scheff, Chuck Scheff, Jerry Scheff, and Buddy Scheff.
To leave an online condolence, visit www.mundwilerfuneralhome.net.
