Herman Scheller, Building on a Legacy

By Mallory Hertel ‘07

In December of 1962, Herman Scheller’s father tragically passed away in a car accident. As the oldest at 16, Herman had to grow up fast, drop out of Mater Dei, and take over the farm to support his family. He tried to find a balance between getting his education and tending to everything but it proved to be impossible. “We had dairy cows and hogs and that’s a 7-day a week job. I tried to do both. Sr. Clara suggested night school; I just thought ‘well that won’t help!’” Herman reflects on his days at Mater Dei fondly, and had things been different, looked forward to graduating with his class of 1964.

Herman as a sophomore at MD in 1962.

Fast forward to around 1990. Herman’s mother and daughters encouraged him to get his GED. His mom would record Channel 9 where there were informational guides where you could study to get your GED. “I received my letter saying I needed to get my GED. I told my girls I hadn’t even watched the first tape! Well, they pushed me to do it and I ended up taking it and passing with flying colors.” Soon after receiving his GED, his daughter, Michele ‘91 was set to graduate from Mater Dei. “My daughter ended up giving me a cap and gown. I told her I was not putting that thing on,” he chuckled. “Well, I ended up walking across the stage and graduating the same year she did.” When he is not studying for classes or farming, Herman enjoys working with wood and creating things. “I make all kinds of furniture and stuff. Everything I have built is from logs I’ve cut down.” When MD science teacher and football coach, Carl Voegel, asked Herman to make a trophy case for the West Side Nut Club “Nut” Trophy which stays with either Reitz or Mater Dei for a year depending on the outcome of their rivalry football game, Herman was eager to jump on the job. “Carl asked what I wanted for it and I said nothing. Three generations of my family have gone through Mater Dei and given us an education. I want to donate it.” Herman was sure to leave his mark with his family tree drawn on top of the display case. It includes 3 generations of MD alumni starting with Herman ‘64. Children: Leanne (Scheller) Phillips ‘87, Susan ‘89, Michele (Scheller) Reker ‘91, Larry ‘94, and grandchildren: Kelsey Reker ‘11, Megan Reker ‘15, and Allison Reker ‘2016.

It seems to be no coincidence that ever since the trophy case was gifted to Mater Dei, we have won the annual Battle of the West Side. The trophy is currently on display in this beautiful case as you enter the main gym of Mater Dei.

Herman Scheller Family photo: Front Row L to R: Susie Scheller, Herman Scheller, Leanne (Scheller) Phillips, and Rylee Phillips