Schefelker remembered by staff
By Holly Neumann
Students and staff at Iola-Scandinavia schools are learning to cope with the loss of middle and high school science teacher Andrew Schefelker, 30.
He was the sole fatality in a 131-vehicle pileup on Interstate 41 in Neenah Sunday, Feb. 24.
According to the obituary posted online by the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois, Schefelker graduated from Centralia High School in May 2006.
He attended Kaskaskia College in Centralia for two years before transferring to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in physics in December 2012, and his teacher’s certification from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Active in Boy Scouts, Schefelker became an Eagle Scout in May 2006.
He was a chief of the Order of the Arrow, the Boy Scout National Honorary Society.
As an adult, he continued to volunteer with Boy Scouts in Illinois and Wisconsin.
His previous teaching experience included Lourdes Academy as a substitute math and science teacher, and Oshkosh West High School as a student teacher in physics and physical science.
Schefelker was in his first year of teaching in the I-S school district.
“Andrew had a passion for physics,” said Principal Chris Nelson. “He also had an interest in learning new material that interested him. If he did not have to pay bills, he would still be attending classes at the university.”
Schefelker was well liked by students and staff.
“Andrew was eager to get to know the students and staff in Iola-Scandinavia,” Nelson said. “He was full of energy and wanted to pass his knowledge along to the students. He was always willing to learning new things and was open to new ideas.”
There is a somberness in the building as the district goes through this difficult process.
“In a school our size, any changes with our teaching staff affects the entire student body,” said District Administrator Ray Przekurat. “Students made connections with him even when they didn’t have him for class.”
“We had a student pass away recently, so there are still some emotions left over from that tragedy that have resurfaced with this new one,” added Nelson. “The staff and students are a resilient group and will help each other through this.”
Kelli Prinsen, a junior, passed away on Feb. 11.
Waupaca County Health and Human Services has collaborated with the district by having two counselors available to them.
“We have our own school psychologist as well as our elementary school counselor and high school counselor,” Nelson said. “We have had neighboring districts reach out to us who have offered their counselors as well. ThedaCare has also offered assistance to the staff if needed.”
Both Przekurat and Nelson appreciate everyone’s efforts in dealing with this tragedy.
“I am not surprised about the assistance offered by neighboring districts because we have developed good relationships with them,” said Nelson. “I am surprised by the offer of support from districts and organizations that are further away. It just shows the great support of the educators and organizations in the state of Wisconsin.”
“We have all gone through tough times and everyone understands how a kind word or gesture helps,” Przekurat said. “The whole school community is tied together. We have worked with each other, gone to conferences together, gone to school together, or our students have competed against each other. We know each other very well and are willing to always help out.”
Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about the tragedy.
“If they are unable to help, they can call the school for additional resources,” Przekurat said.
Help for staff and students will be available at the school as long as it is needed.
A moment of silence will take place before the boy’s regional basketball game on Friday, March 1.