Kenneth Elmer Shelstad

Kenneth Elmer Shelstad, age 85, of Breckenridge, MN, affectionately known as "Kenny," passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Riverfront on Main in Pelican Rapids, MN. 

He was born May 17, 1939, in Doran, MN, to Edward and Myrtle (Kerch) Shelstad. He attended Breckenridge High School and graduated in 1957, where shortly thereafter, he purchased the farmstead from his father and began his life long career in farming. He married his wife Roxanne (McKee) Shelstad from Yankton, SD, on August 25, 1962, and shared 62 years together. Kenny took great pride in providing for his family and being a good steward of the land that he farmed for forty years before retiring. In retirement, they spent winters in Mesa AZ, trading snow and ice for warmth and sunshine. Summers were spent at their Ottertail Lake home which provided Kenny ample opportunity to fish and play cards with his brothers and nephews, and he relished the times when the grandchildren would visit. He also loved gardening, which allowed him to still grow food and share his bounty with all that were interested.

Kenny is survived by his wife, Roxanne Shelstad; children, Rebecca (Randy) Bissinger, Eric Shelstad, and Jen Shelstad; Grandchildren, Matthew (Marah) Bissinger, Megan Stezka, Michael Bissinger, and David Bissinger; Great-Granddaughter, Maya Bissinger; brother, Roger (Eunice) Shelstad; sisters, Marlys Jackson and Carolyn Ellingson; sister-in-law, Karyn (Tom) Kyte; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Myrtle Shelstad; siblings, John (Norma) Shelstad, Irene (Arnie) Henjum, Eleanor (Bill) Burgett; and brothers-in-law, Dale Jackson and Reynold Ellingson.

He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, January 31, 2025, with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m., at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, ND. A private burial will be held at Vukku Cemetery, Foxhome, MN. Rene Hasbargen will be officiating the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge.

 In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests all memorials be made to Shriner's Childrens Hospital, 225 N Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, or to Dementia Society, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.