Faith keeps Andrew Schefelker’s parents going.
"He's in a perfect place, and we know as Christians that someday we will join him there in Heaven with God,” said Schefelker’s mother, Diane Schefelker.
"That's what keeps us going on a day-to-day basis."
Andrew, 30, died after the 100-plus vehicle pileup on I-41 in Winnebago County.
Whiteout conditions were reported at the scene, according to the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. More than 70 other people were hurt in the February 24 crash. The final report on the pileup is not yet finished, according to a Sheriff’s Office representative.
“[Andrew] was just the joy of our life, until [his brother] Nathan came along four years later… we were just very blessed to have him as part of our life,” Diane Schefelker said.
Andrew was an Eagle Scout and active in Boy Scouts.
He was a science teacher at Iola-Scandinavia Middle and High Schools.
“We can't be sad in some ways, because we know he's happy,” Diane Schefelker said.
Memories of Andrew include the below statement from Joshua Anderson, district director of the Gathering Waters District of the Boy Scouts of America Bay-Lakes Council:
"I have been blessed in my career to work with many great volunteers. People who put youth first, guide them and provide programming and experiences that will give these youth the tools to become great people. It is so evident in the short time I personally worked with Andrew that many volunteers had a hand in guiding Andrew, both in and out of the scouting program and filled his toolbox. Andrew used those tools to do great things in the Bay Lakes Council. He was known by Scout leaders throughout the council from his time working in the Scout Store, and the scout leaders loved when he was there. He was enthusiastic, always asking about their upcoming program and being genuinely interested and willing to share one of his awesome program ideas. His energy and enthusiasm for life and Scouting was infections. Andrew was always willing and eager to help and was an incredible guide to the youth he impacted in Scouting and in the classroom. He had a great impact on each person that met him. His spirit and positive attitude will be greatly missed..."
