Verlyn Gene Shelstad was born on November 26, 1930, in Swift County, to Melvin M. and Betty H. (Swenson) Shelstad. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Odessa and confirmed at Artichoke Lutheran Church. Verlyn attended rural school districts and graduated in 1949 from Ortonville High School.On October 4, 1952, he was married to Beatrice Mae Behrens at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton. From 1954 through 1956 he served with the United States Army. After this service years he returned to farming and his dairy business. He also worked part time for ASCS for many years. He farmed until 1982 when they moved to Clinton. He was a long time member of Eidskog Lutheran Church, the National Farmer's Organization, and Campbell Williams American Legion Post #258 at Clinton. Verlyn enjoyed the many hours he spent with this family, children, and grandchildren. In his earlier years he enjoyed deer and pheasant hunting and fishing. He particularly enjoyed visiting with his friends and his many good neighbors. Everyone will remember his fondness for mild chocolate, chocolate-covered cherries, herring, lutefisk, lefse, rice pudding, and smoked fish.Verlyn died on Thursday evening, April 23rd, at Northridge Residence in Ortonville. He had attained 78 years, 4 months, and 27 days of age.He is survived by his wife, Beatrice, of Clinton; five children: Barbara Shelstad of Oakdale, Lori (Jon) Sporer of St. Paul, Arlyn (Teri) Shelstad of Montevideo; Stuart (Jacqualine) Shelstad of Lino Lakes, and Penny Shelstad (friend Wayne Schmitz) of Chokio; nine grandchildren: Rosalyn Shelstad, Mikel Sporer, Richard Shelstad, Ryan Sporer, Randal Shelstad, Samantha Shelstad, Brooke Shelstad, Benjamin Shelstad, and Sydney Shelstad; two sisters: Bly Jallo of Morris and Betty Bolstad of Sidney, Montana; five brothers and sisters-in-law: Helmer (Joyce) Behrens of Sun City, AZ, Arvid (Janice) Behrens of Elysian, Ralph (Carol) Behrens of Echo, Patricia (James) Jaskoviack 0f Forest City, Iowa, and Stanley (Millie) Wilts of Appleton; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.He is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Betty Shelstad; parents-in-law, Bill and Irene Behrens; three nephews: Bruce Bolstad, Joel Jallo, and Carlisle Bolstad; niece, Peggy (Wilts) Hilbrand; sister-in-law, Beverly (Behrens) Wilts; and four brothers-in-law: Raymond Jallo, Donald Bolstad, Roger Behrens and Allen Behrens.
