January 25, 1977 – September 1, 2026
Toby Lynn Scheelk, 49, of Monticello, MN, died September 1, 2026, at the family home after living for two years with an aggressive, degenerative neurological disease, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. She was born January 25, 1977, in Robbinsdale, MN. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Don and Gloria Karja, Marvin Scheelk, Orlie and Donna Bartholomay; her uncles, Ron Scheelk and Bruce Scheelk; aunt Diana Scheelk; and her cousin, Jessie Scheelk. She is survived by her parents, Tom and Vonnie Scheelk, and her brother, Troy Scheelk. Niblings, Ethan and Julian Scheelk. Sister-in-law, Charity (Jason) Gendason. Wonderful cousins, family, and many friends.
Toby was a rough-and-tumble child that played hard and had the scars to prove it. This evolved into her love of sports and becoming an athlete. She first played baseball and was the only girl on the team of boys in Osseo, MN. This led to softball and ice hockey both of which she lettered in during her high school career. Toby appeared on the program cover of the first Minnesota high school girls hockey tournament in her senior year at Osseo Senior High in 1995.
She stayed a sports fan long after she stopped playing, enjoying the Twins, Wild, and Vikings along with a lifelong love of video games, particularly group participation games like Rock Band or Mario Party.
She worked as a journeyman painter, the third generation of her family to do so. It was skilled work she took seriously, and she was sought after by friends and clients.
At home she was surrounded by animals she adored: her cats KC and Jasmine, and her dog Nash. They were not pets so much as company, and she loved them without reservation.
Toby was gay, in a time and a place that made that harder to carry than it does today. She spent years trying to be what other people expected and find her place amongst friends and partners. That kind of loneliness leaves a mark, and hers showed up in a long fight with alcohol.
Forty-nine years is not enough. Toby had more seasons in her, more games to watch, more work to finish. Losing her this early is its own kind of wrong, and the people who loved her will feel it for the rest of their lives. What they’ll also keep is the version of her that was fully herself — competitive, capable, and loyal to the people and animals in her care.
A celebration of life will be held September 18, 2026 at the Peterson Chapel, 300 Main St N, St. Michael, MN 55376. Visitation from 6-8 PM with Memorial service at 6:30 PM.
My heart is broken for the loss of Toby. I met her when she was just 18, and I feel so blessed to have shared so many years of friendship with her. We played hockey together, laughed together, and made so many wonderful memories.
She was truly one of the kindest people I have ever known. She never spoke poorly of anyone and always treated people with warmth and grace. That beautiful quality in her is something I will always remember.
To her family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Please know how special she was and how grateful I am that I had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed and forever hold a special place in my heart.
I didn’t know Toby except for our communication when she bought some products from me I was selling. She was my second cousin her Mom my first cousin thru marriage. She was kind of funny and very upbeat & positive. Unfortunately she had an incident & couldn’t use the colorstreet nail products she bought. I pray the family can find peace in everyday life know that she is with Jesus looking down on everyone. My deepest Sympathy to her family and friends 🙏 ❤️
I did not know Toby. But I knew you and Tom.
Toby was fortunate to have such loving parents.
You supported her. You loved her. You accepted her as she was.
No greater gift on earth
As above
It was a pure pleasure to know you, Toby and watch you play ball. God bless you for eternity.
My heart goes out to you Tom and Vonnie. This is truly the hardest thing a parent will ever do. Know that Toby is free now of the pain and suffering that brought her to Gods hands. She will always be in your hearts and memories. Rest in peace sweet Toby Lynn 💔
Words right now seem as empty as my heart. Sweet special fabulous Toby. More full of life and compassion, humor and kindness of spirit than most. A dear friend. I will miss her. May the peace of the holy spirit keep her, and may it bring comfort to her family.
I went to school with Toby. I remember her as a phenominal ball player and at that time in awe of how cool and brave she was to get out on the ice and out skate everyone!
Toby was one of those friends that you could not see for a bit, yet pick up your conversation as no time has passed.
I hope the wonderful memories and the amazing stories you hear will help you through the days ahead. Prayers and blessings to you and your family through this extremely difficult time.
Tom and Vonnie,
As a second cousin to Toby I am grateful to have met and talked with her several times at family gatherings. One of my neighbors had her painting for them and enjoyed having conversation and her wonderful work. Toby’s warmth and friendly smile can never be replaced. Warm hugs and prayers goes out to all your family.
Dear Tom and Vonnie, mom and I are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking and praying for you during this time.
My heart is broken for Toby being gone so soon she came from wonderful beautiful parents, a loving heart. I know she’s resting in peace the arms of the Lord.
My condolences go to the family of all her loved ones especially her mother and father
Grateful for Toby’s presence and love during our Friday nights together with SOS!!! Sending prayers, love and condolences to your family during this time.