Jeffey M. Shelstad

Shelstad, Jeffrey M. On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, Jeffrey Milo Shelstad passed away at age 81. Jeff was born on August 1, 1942 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Gerhard and Cherie (Hanson) Shelstad. He received his Education and subsequent Masters degrees from Augsburg and St. Thomas Universities, respectively. Jeff taught English / Language Arts and coached numerous athletic teams for 35 years at Richfield, MN, St. Anthony Village, MN, and Hastings, MN high schools. Jeff had a passion for teaching and coaching, and at young age he began coaching with the Minneapolis Park and Rec league. Known by many as "Coach Shelstad", he coached many sports throughout the years, including boys hockey, girls hockey, girls softball, football, and baseball. His favorite sport was always hockey; he coached boys hockey for 22 years, and girls hockey for another four. He retired from teaching and coaching at Hastings Senior High School in 1999. After retirement he moved full time to his lake home in Merrifield, MN where he worked in real estate part time and briefly held the position of Activities Director for the Pine River-Backus school district. Throughout his entire life, Jeff especially enjoyed his time on Lake Lougee. From a young boy in summer and into permanent residence as an adult he thoroughly embraced lake life and all it had to offer. Among his favorites were pontoon cruises, sunsets, and time with family and friends around the campfire. Also, from a young age Jeff was always a loyal and devoted fan to Minnesota Gopher hockey and football, and the Minnesota Vikings. One of Jeff's greatest interests throughout his life was horses. He had many over the years and enjoyed having them on-site in their barn and corral. He took them on trail rides near and far and operated a small horse carriage business for a time. Jeff also had a deep affection for his dogs, especially his most recent companion, Mattie. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Gerhard and Cherie Shelstad. He is survived by his three children, Brooks (Karin), Brett (Jodi Lysne) and Elizabeth (Clint Matvick); four grandchildren, Annika Shelstad, Siri Shelstad, Mikkel Shelstad and Grace Matvick, and his brothers Bruce (Sarah Caswell), Dixon (Beth), Brad (Sandy Metzdorff), and sister Cynthia (Michael Swartout), and several cousins, nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024 at Crosslake Lutheran Church, Crosslake Minnesota at 12:00 pm, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. A private interment will be held on a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter,

Published on April 14, 2024