Joseph G. Schellhase (“Joe”), 84, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away peacefully at Menno Haven on September 14, 2026.
He was born on June 4, 1942, in Chambersburg, PA, to J. Russell and D. Lauretta (Pheil) Schellhase and was a lifelong resident of Franklin County. He was the last of his immediate family.
Joe graduated from Chambersburg Area Senior High School in 1960, and later served in the U.S. Army National Guard.
On March 5, 1966, he married Louanne J. Wentzel in Frederick, MD.
Joe built his career in banking and graduated from the National Mortgage School at Ohio State University. He worked at several area institutions, including Valley Bank, Waypoint Bank, and Harris Savings Bank. He took great pride in helping families secure mortgages and meet their financial needs. He was the vice president of the Franklin-Fulton County Bankers Association. After retirement, he continued serving people as an AARP tax volunteer for many years.
Joe belonged to many fraternal and civic organizations including Fayetteville Fire Company, Civitan Club, Elks Club, Chambersburg Club, VFW and American Legion.
He was a campaign director for the 1969 March of Drives Fund Drive and volunteered for the American Cancer Society. Joe was the president of the Guilford Hills Elementary PTA, and on the board of directors for the Franklin County Red Cross.
Sports and hunting were lifelong passions for Joe. A gifted baseball player in his youth, he was drafted by the New York Yankees in 1960. He shared his gift by coaching his daughter’s softball teams. He developed a love of tennis, playing in many groups, participating in Team Tennis and coaching the James Buchanan Boys Tennis.
He established J.O. ‘s Tennis Shop to serve the tennis community. Joe also enjoyed golfing, and was an avid Dallas Cowboys and Penn State fan. Joe could be found in the mountains during every turkey and deer season. He was a member of the Narrows Gun Club and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with his nephews and gun club members.
Full of personality and naturally charismatic, his big laugh could fill a room. He could always be counted on for a detailed story, a little friendly competition, or a helping hand. Above all, Joe’s family meant everything to him, and he would do anything for his “girls”. He was a loving husband, dad, pappy, great-pappy, brother, uncle, and friend, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his daughter, Jodi Barnhart (Chris); his granddaughter, Rebecca Karnoscak (Steven); his great-grandchildren, Lucille and Graham; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Louanne; brothers; Glen and James; and sisters Vivian Newman, Retha Goetz, and Delores “Nick” Otenberger.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., at Kelso-Cornelius Funeral Home, Ltd., 725 Norland Ave, Chambersburg.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11 a.m., at the funeral home with a visitation from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service.
Inurnment will be at Norland Cemetery.
The family is grateful for the wonderful care provided by the staff at Menno Haven.
Memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Menno Haven.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph, please visit the floral store.
