Emil John Schell, 84, of Lemmon, SD died peacefully on Sunday, January 15, 2023 at the Five Counties Nursing Home. He was born on August 10, 1938 to John and Emma Schell (Simfenderfer) in Dodge, ND.

Funeral services for Emil will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at the Prince of Peace Chapel at Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon, SD.  Pastor Tottie Lenerville will officiate with military honors afforded by the Brattvet-Green American Legion Post #66 of Lemmon, SD.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years Gladys Schell; son Wade (Shannon) Schell; daughters Laurel (Pat) Heimstra, Shawna (Troy) Clutter, Michelle (Matt) Novak; grandchildren Shaylyn (Michael) Fischer, Chaunce Schell, Jolynn Novak, Sareena (Tom) Watral, Baylee (Roby) Torres, Courtney Novak, Chase Heimstra, Shandell Clutter, Jesse Schell, Brandon Novak, Garret Corley, Cameron Stratton, and Jacob (Savannah) Stratton along with numerous great grandchildren and one sister, Orabelle (Rick) McGinnis.

Upon graduating from Lemmon High School Class '58, Emil entered the army and was discharged in 1960. Emil and Gladys took over the Schell family farm in 1995 in Meadow, SD. He loved to fish with his children and grandchildren. Due to failing health, he moved into Five Counties Nursing Home in January 2021 where he resided until the time of his death.

Emil was preceded in death by his father and mother John and Emma Schell; his father-in-law Constant and mother-in-law Mildred Schell; brother-in-law Jim Schell; and sister-in-law Beverly Baxter.