Lincoln native passes away after battle with cancer

Eric Schellpeper passed after a year long battel with stage 4 colon cancer.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Eric Schellpeper, 32, the son of former FFA Advisor Jeff Schellpeper, passed away on Thursday after a year-long battle with cancer.

Schellpeper graduated from East High School in 2007 and met his wife Becca in 2008; they were married 10 years later in Lincoln.

Seven months after welcoming their daughter, Schellpeper began feeling ill and was admitted to the hospital.  Days later, he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.

Two weeks ago, while Schellpeper was going through his second round of chemotherapy, the Raymond Central High School FFA hosted a fundraiser, donating part of the proceeds to his family to help with medical bills.

The family’s GoFundMe page has raised just over $22,000 since February, missing its goal by $8,000.

Schellpeper fought through extensive testing, two rounds of chemo, and surgery.

Eric is survived by his wife, Becca; daughter, Hazel; parents, Jeff and Kathy Schellpeper, and his brother Andrew Schellpeper; along with multiple aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

Eric was preceded in death by his grandpa, Sen. Stan Schellpeper of Stanton; and grandparents Henry and Georgia Sanders of Lincoln.

A funeral will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel.