Morris Shelstad

Morris S. Shelstad, 96, New Effington, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Tekakwitha Living Center in Sisseton.

Funeral Services will be Monday, April 27, at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in New Effington with Rev. Pat Schubert officiating. Music will be provided by organist Deb Bredvik and vocalist Janeen Kohl. The service will be livestreamed on the First, Faith & Our Savior’s Lutheran Parishes Facebook page.

Burial will be in the New Effington Community Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Read Veflin American Legion Post 180 of New Effington. Honorary pallbearers will be his great-grandchildren. Active pallbearers will be Zachary Osier, Wyatt Shelstad, Nate Rasmussen, Noel Lerew, Caden Larson and Holden Larson.

Visitation will be Monday morning one hour prior to the service at the church. 

Morris Stanley Shelstad was born September 22, 1929, to Iver and Esther (Elton) Shelstad in New Effington, SD. He attended school in New Effington, graduating from New Effington High School in 1948.

In 1949, Morris worked with his brother in Minneapolis cleaning air ducts, fans and canopies in restaurants for a year. He returned home to New Effington to raise mink in 1950.

In 1951, Morris enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served during the Korean War where he was in charge of supplies. In 1953, Morris was honorably discharged and he went to work in the supply department at Abott Hospital. In 1955, he returned home to help his dad raise mink.

On August 10, 1963, Morris was united in marriage to Frances Landmark at Grace Lutheran Church in Sisseton. They were blessed with three children, Dawn, Duane, and Debra. In 1973, Morris started taking care of the sewer lift station in New Effington and became the chief of police on April 1, 1973. In 1990, he retired from raising mink and earned his certification for water. Morris retired after 27 years in his maintenance and chief of police position.

Morris was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and the Read Veflin American Legion Post 180.

Morris enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, and dancing. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Frances of New Effington; children, Dawn (Randy) Martinek of Rosholt, Duane (Marcie Wallstrum) Shelstad of Rosholt, and Debra (Jim) Osier of Oakes, ND; grandchildren, Nate Rasmussen, Nicky (Jared) Larson, Kayla (Justin) Gaspar, Noel (Natasha) Lerew, Zachary (Melissa Ruiz) Osier, Jayme Osier, Emma Shelstad, and Wyatt Shelstad; great-grandchildren, Caden, Holden, Camden, Hayden, Boden, Brenden, and Eden Larson, Oliver, Hudson, and Elijah Gaspar, Bentley and Callie Lerew, and Zayne Osier.

Morris was preceded in death by his parents, Iver and Esther Shelstad; brother, Irvin Shelstad; and sister, Evelyn Kriesel.