Donald Michael Schell

Donald Michael Schell of Sterling, CO passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in Sterling, CO. His last week was spent with his family by his side. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 9 at Halouska Family Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow at Riverside Cemetery Columbarium Niche with a reception in Hagus Hall at St. Anthony’s of Padua Catholic Church.

Don was born April 1, 1938, in Sterling, Colorado to Gregory and Elizabeth (Hochnadel-Artzer) Schell. He attended St. Anthony’s and Sterling public schools. After high school, Don worked at a gas station with his Lambrecht cousins, did concrete work, and worked for the City of Sterling doing cement finish on sidewalks and trimming trees. Don proudly served in the Army Reserve for 6 years. While in basic training in California, he married Irma Guetter in 1961. Don then apprenticed as a plumber, working for Sterling Sheet & Metal. He then became a Master Plumber and had his own business, Don’s Plumbing and Heating.

In the early 80’s, Don owned and operated Major Liquors with Irma’s brother, Paul (a Major in the Army)-hence the name. In addition to his business ventures, he worked as a plumber for Northeastern Jr. College, and he continued taking on the occasional job well into his 80’s. He was well known for his attention to detail and the quality of his workmanship.

He was a longtime member of Elks Lodge 1336 in Sterling. For many years, he enjoyed taking his wife and kids to the Portland, OR area to visit his three brothers and their families. He liked golf and was an avid fan of Westerns. His favorite pastime was taking a daily drive, cruising the streets of Sterling.

Don is survived by his former wife; Irma Schell; children, Donnie (Carol) Schell, Ranae (Tim) Lauer, Danine Schell (Jim Moncher) and Dana (Dan) Cutts. Also, by 12 grandchildren: Shane Basford, Kendra (Schell) Campbell (Travis), Kaylee Schell, Kenneth Schell, Kassandra “Kassie” Schell, Kaden Schell, Garrison Moncher, Grant Moncher, Griffin Moncher (Regan Richardson), Matteson “Mattie” (Cutts), Deaton (Austin), Mitchell “Mitch” Cutts, Marleigh Cutts; and three great-grandchildren Rhett, Remi and Lainey Campbell. He is also survived by his brothers Larry (Donna) Schell and Frank Schell, and many cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, George Schell, sister, Betty Combs, his half-siblings Celie Calzada, Andrew, John, Marcella and Joe Artzer, along with several other half-siblings, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund, https://www.kidneyfund.org/ways-give the Glioblastoma Research Organization. https://www.gbmresearch.org/donate (Irma was diagnosed with an aggressive Glioblastoma July 2025), or an organization of your choice.