Marjorie Scheltema

Marjorie Scheltema, aged 90, of Vista, CA, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, September 21, 2024. She was married to Chester Scheltema and is the mother of Rose Zellmer, Coral Wheeler, and Chet Scheltema, Jr. She was preceded in death by her daughters, Karen Swan and Hope Scheltema. 

Marjorie was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Elmer and JoAnna, sister to five siblings, Erwin, Julie, Leon, Lois, Arlene, and Paul. She attended school and church in Grand Rapids and then in Chicago, where she graduated as an RN from the Swedish Covenant Hospital. That’s where met the love of her life, Chester Scheltema, also from Grand Rapids, and they remained married for the next 67 years. 

Marjorie and Chester are committed Christ followers, and they served as missionaries in South America with their three daughters, Karen, Coral, and Rose. After returning from the mission field, they discovered home in Vista and San Marcos, California, where they built their lives, family, and even numerous physical homes over the next sixty years. Her daughter, Hope, and son, Chet, Jr., were born there. 

Marjorie’s contributions over the years were many. She was a skilled celloist and musician and served faithfully for decades in the orchestra at Emmanuel Faith Community Church. She worked closely with her husband in a ministry reaching United States Marines for the Lord from the period of the Vietnam war to the Gulf War and 90s. She was also a nurse, first at Palomar Hospital, and then in a private practice in Escondido. Marjorie was a traveler too, and she and her husband and children enjoyed many road trips exploring America’s natural beauty. 

Marjorie was a faithful and generous wife, mother, nurse, musician, church member, ministry partner, and missions’ supporter. Most importantly, she was a committed follower of Jesus Christ, and she always looked forward to new life in her Savior, which she is now enjoying and celebrating.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marjorie Scheltema, please visit our floral store.