Gary Shelton

Gary Lowell Shelton, 70, passed away December 22, 2025 at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.

Gary was born to Robert and Blanche (Fick) Shelton. He was lifelong resident of Fergus Falls. Gary was baptized and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church. In his younger years he liked helping on his uncle's farm. He loved spending time at his family's cabin on Jewett Lake, where he formed his love of the outdoors. He liked anything with an engine. He enjoyed riding snowmobile, motorcycle and cars faster than he should have earning him the nickname "Birdie".

Gary graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1974. He married Tammey Rude in January of 1977. From that marriage his daughter's Trish and Tiffany were born. During the 80's he was on numerous bowling and pool leagues.

On August 29, 1992 he married the love of his life, Joyce (Jenson) Brist and gained his son's Shannon and Jason.

Gary was a lifelong employee of the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center. He started on the grounds crew at 14 for a summer job. After graduation he became a full-time employee, starting in the stock room and working his way to purchasing manager. He was able to retire with the "rule of 90" when they closed their doors in 2005. During that time he also did masonry work with Gary Schroeder. After retirement he plowed snow for the Home Depot. He was also the maintenance man at the Riverbend apartments for a few years.

Gary loved the outdoors. In the summer you could find him at the lake. He loved camping, fishing and pulling the grandkids behind the boat in the tube. He enjoyed many nights around the campfire surrounded by family, with some country music playing in the background. His grandkids were his pride and joy. Gary was an amazing cook. He enjoyed preparing all the meals for family occasions. He loved everything about Christmas. The decorations, baking cookies, the music. He always made bags of chex mix for his loved ones. He enjoyed feeding the birds and deer in the yard.

Gary was a kind man who always put his family first. He was willing to help anyone in need.

Gary is proceeded in death by his parents, Robert and Blanche Shelton; and siblings, Henry, Valdine and Richard.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce of Fergus Falls; children, Trish (Brian) Thibodeau of Montrose, Tiffany Shelton of Wadena, Shannon Brist (Melissa Pederson) of West Fargo, and Jason (Tara) Brist of Fergus Falls; grandchildren, Taylor, Alysyn, Raidyn and Torryn. Serenity, Malakhi, and Ciara. Shayna, Skylar and Christian. Letitia, Mackinzie and Lacey; and great-grandchildren, Jaidon, Anjelica, Matthew , Zion, Kaiden, Ryder, Ripsi, Kai and Magnolia.

He will be dearly missed. It's so hard for us to lose him, yet we know we will see him again.

Service: 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 2, 2026 at Calvary Free Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Clergy: Reverend Eric Rasmussen

Interment: Trinity-Faith Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com