Gerhard Shelstad

Gerhard "Jiggs" Shelstad, 100, of Merrifield, MN passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2016.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 17, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN and at his church at 11:00 on Monday July 18, one hour prior to services. A memorial service will be held on Monday at 12:00PM at Crosslake Lutheran Church in Crosslake, MN.

Born in Brandt, SD on May 20, 1916, he enjoyed the first 11 years of his life in that rural setting prior to his family moving to Minneapolis. Jiggs' numerous adventures (and misadventures) from his youth have been recounted in stories that are cherished by his family. He developed a strong life-long connection to outdoor activities, especially hunting for ducks, pheasants, and deer.

Jiggs graduated from Minneapolis South High School in 1934. He met the love of his life, Cherie Hansen, on a blind date. Their marriage of 71 years began on September 9, 1939.

Answering Uncle Sam's call, Jiggs enlisted in the Navy in 1945 where he served during WWII on several small islands in the Pacific.

Following his return from the war he joined the Minneapolis Police Department, advancing to Detective while completing 26 years of service. He completed his law enforcement career as Chief Fraud Investigator with BankAmericard (VISA).

Jiggs and Cherie raised five children at their home on Queen Avenue in Southwest Minneapolis.

In 1948, Jiggs and Cherie bought property and built a cabin on the south end of Lake Lougee where their family was able to enjoy many memorable summers. In the mid- 1960's they purchased land on the north end of Lougee where they built a summer cabin that would eventually become their retirement home in 1979. With great insight for the future, they generously made a gift of adjoining lakeshore property to their descendants.

Cherie and Jiggs enjoyed many active years of retirement that included hobbies and volunteer efforts. Their retirement life included friends from Crosslake Lutheran Church, Sons of Norway, the Geritol Frolics, several senior citizens groups and extended family and neighbors in their Lake Lougee community. He was a versatile craftsman and was clever in all facets of carpentry, woodworking, and other handicrafts.

Jiggs enjoyed every season of the year at Lake Lougee and was not easily enticed by the prospects of warmer winters further south. While he enjoyed summertime with frequent family visitors, he eagerly anticipated the annual area lutefisk circuit every fall. His love of lutefisk was equaled only by his desire for sweets. He never missed dessert.

Jiggs was completely dedicated to caring for Cherie during her declining years and was able to keep her with him at their home until her death in 2010. Remaining in good health, he was able to live independently at his home on Lougee until his unexpected death.

During his last year he participated in a WWII Honor Flight to Washington DC, and was invited to a veteran-sponsored fishing trip. Not surprisingly, he was the oldest participant at each event.

For his birthday in May he was honored by over 100 friends, neighbors, and relatives who celebrated 100 years of life.

Jiggs (Dad, Grandpa Jiggs, Gpa, Bestafar) will be sadly missed by his children, Jeff Shelstad, Bruce (Sarah) Shelstad, Dixon (Beth) Shelstad, Brad (Sandy) Shelstad, and Cyna (Mike) Swartout; seven grandchildren, Brooks (Karin), Brett, Beth (Clint), Riana (Tim), Emmett (Ann), Marit (Tom), and Mitch (Sydney); and nine great-grandchildren, Annika, Siri, Mikkel, Gracie, Jakson, Charlotte, Sawyer, Cora, and Soren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Cherie; parents, Hjalmer and Anna; brothers, Delbert and Leonard; sisters Cora and Lenore.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be distributed to several of Jiggs' preferred charities, including the Youth of Crosslake Lutheran Church, Crosslake Food Shelf, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Children's MN Heartbeat 5000.