Dr. Leo T. Scholl of Fluvanna County passed away at the age of 40 on Saturday, May 03, 2025, leaving all of us far too soon. Leo was a special gift and blessing for all who had him in their lives: his wife Kelsie, their daughter Audrey, his grandmothers Ellen and Magdalena, his parents Astrid and Hans, his sister Anne, and those he considered family, including his work family, hunting buddies, and friends in the wider community that he served.
Born January 9, 1985, in Duisburg, Germany, he and his family put down roots in Connecticut when he was twelve, but he decided by the age of six that he wanted to become a family dentist to give his patients beautiful teeth so they could smile again. He worked toward that goal, attending University of Connecticut for his undergrad years and then graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. Leo always wanted to live in a small town where he knew everyone, and he made his dream a reality in Palmyra, Virginia. Leo became part of the community and established his own practice, Dentistry at Nahor, caring for just about every smile in Fluvanna County. Whether it was a scheduled filling or an emergency-holiday-after-hours-I’m-sorry-I-can’t-stay-away-from-caramel situation, Leo showed up and always did his absolute best for everyone with the help of his dedicated staff. He was the warmest, most generous, hardest-working man that you could ever hope to meet – but he didn’t consider it work because he was doing what he loved.
Leo always hoped to meet someone who could share his multi-faceted life of white lab coats and muck boots, and when he met his wife Kelsie, they both realized they had found “their person” – partner, friend, and soulmate. They were married on September 28, 2019, and built a beautiful home and farm together, complete with four horses, two resident dogs, and another several dozen dogs who just kept showing up because they heard the food was good. Together with Kelsie, Leo always made sure everyone around him had what they needed and felt that they could come to him for help, which he gave without hesitation.
He was never without a cup of coffee, and his energy was legendary. When he wasn’t mending molars, blazing trails, or spending time with his family, he could be found sitting quietly in the woods on early mornings, hoping to cross paths with some volunteer venison. Leo lived his life fully – always curious, always learning and doing something new, and always active. If it took place outdoors in nature, he enjoyed it, whether that was horseback riding, skiing and snowmobiling, kayaking, boating and jet skiing, or traveling to beautiful places for fishing trips with friends.
Leo’s family greatly appreciates the support and kind offers from all who loved him. His public celebration of life will be held from 2-4 pm on Saturday, June 14th, at The Barn at Trotter Hill Farm (3950 South Boston Road, Troy VA) – come as you are, whenever you can. A microphone will be open and available, and we would love to hear from anyone who wants to share a moment or memory of Leo. We are also collecting favorite memories, stories, and photos of Leo online at https://www.forevermissed.com/leo-t-scholl, which will remain available to all. Every memory shared ensures that Leo’s infectious laugh, generous spirit, and loving heart will carry on in our community. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Leo Scholl Remembrance Fund (https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-leo-scholl-remembrance-fund), which will go toward causes that Leo supported.
Everyone who met Dr. Leo Scholl walked away better for it. His legacy is one of immense personal and community impact – he loved not only with his heart but also with his hands, giving his skills, time, energy, and enormous heart to whoever knew him. Together we can keep Leo’s light shining in our world by living the way that he did – caring unconditionally for those around you.
“Rivers do not drink their own water, trees do not eat their own fruit, and clouds do not swallow their own rain. What great ones have, is always for the benefit of others.”