Tuesday, April 30th, 2024
Shirley Schelper
On Friday, April 19, 2024, Colonel Shirley A. Schelper, a proud veteran of the United States Army, passed away at the age of 96 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Born on August 16, 1927, in New Bremen, Ohio, to Alton and Alvera (nee Stroefer) Schelper, she received her degree in health and education from the University of Cincinnati in 1949 and served in the Army Medical Specialist Corps from 1953 to 1977.
Serving during the Korean and the Vietnam wars, Schelper held postings in both the United States and Europe. She often said of her military service, "I always had two great tours, the one I left, and the one I was going to." A consultant to the Surgeon General of the Army, Schelper also held the positions of assistant chief and chief of physical therapy. Schelper's video recording of her United States military service can be found in the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress.
Among her numerous military awards are the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and National Defense Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. She also received the Meritorious Unit Emblem.
Outside of her military service, Schelper had a passion for giving and volunteering, art and travel. Her philanthropic efforts extended to supporting various institutions including the Gilcrease Museum, First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa, the Inverness Village Foundation, Military Women's Memorial, and other nonprofit entities. At the Gilcrease Museum, Schelper served as president of the Gillies and as a docent, and was known for her collection of American Indian art.
Additionally, she was actively involved in the German American Society of Tulsa, the Assistance League of Tulsa, Inverness Treasures, First Tee, and Green Country Wanderfreunde. Alongside her best friend and partner Dr. June Holmes, Ph. D., Shirley explored destinations across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, enriching her life with diverse cultural experiences. They also enjoyed many walks with the American Volkssport Association.
Schelper is survived by her nephews, Anthony P. Cook (Nicholas Kyrus) of Falls Church, Virginia; and Dane C. Cook (Brenda) of New Bremen, Ohio; along with great-nephews Cory (Jennifer), Cameron, and Darion Cook, great-great nephew Evan and niece Leilani, and loving friends John and Martha Heinsius, and John Millar.
She was preceded in death by her partner June Holmes, parents Alton and Alvera Schelper, and sister Anita Martin.
The details regarding Schelper's memorial service and interment at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, will be communicated at a later date.
The family kindly requests that any donations be made to the Military Women's Memorial or the American Heart Association.
