Daniel Shelstad

Daniel E. Shelstad, 56 of Fargo , North Dakota , died in a two vehicle truck accident west of Wahpeton, ND about 8:30AM on Friday, October 17, 2008.

Dan was born July 22, 1952 in Fargo , ND , to John and Norma Shelstad of Mayville , ND . He moved with his family to Kenyon, MN where he graduated from high school. He was active in 4-H and FFA activities and was a member of the high school wrestling and baseball teams.

He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agronomy in 1975. While attending the University he worked for the Green Giant Company.

His first employment was as an agronomist with Minn-Dak Sugar Beet Cooperative in Wahpeton, ND. He was later employed as an Agricultural Sales Representative for various chemical companies including Howe in Minnesota and Bayer in North Dakota . He received several special citations including being first and third in Ag Chemical Sales in the nation. He retired in 2003.

Dan was very compassionate, generous, warm hearted, and had a host of friends and family.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, carpentry, bowling, and playing softball. His teams won numerous North Dakota slow-pitch state championships. He made two Safaris to Africa shooting 11 species of game, including a Cape Buffalo, and a trip to the Arctic to bag Caribou. He also loved to spend time with his grandchildren and doing various activities with them.

Dan married Mary Glass in Stillwater, MN in 1975. They were later divorced. Surviving are three daughters, Jill Shelstad of Breckenridge , MN ; Cindy Shelstad of Fargo , ND ; and Amy (Mike) Ratajczak of Moorhead, MN; and four grandchildren: Austin and Cassandra King, Isabella Ratajczak, and Marra Oliphant.

Also surviving are his parents: John and Norma Shelstad, Kenyon, MN; his sisters: Koreen (Dale) Harstad, Dickinson, TX; Kirsten Shelstad, Albuquerque, NM; Kaia (Bruce) Bergeson, Montevideo, MN; Karla (Jeff) Siem, Falcon Heights, MN; his brother Rolf Shelstad, Lake Park, MN; and brother-in-law Scott Hilleren, Duluth, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Kerry Hilleren.

The funeral service for Dan will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at Olivet Lutheran Church , Fargo , ND with Pastors Jeff Sandgren and Kris Gorden officiating. Visitation is at Olivet Lutheran Church, Tuesday, October 21, 2008 from 5 pm to 8 pm with a prayer service at 7 pm. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements are with Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge, MN.