Obituary of Patricia Mae Sheldon

Patricia Mae Sheldon was born April 24, 1931, in Fargo, North Dakota, and went to her eternal home on May 29, 2025.

Pat graduated from Park Rapids High School and Bemidji Teachers College. She taught in a one-room schoolhouse, an elementary school in Detroit Lakes, and in West St. Paul. 

Pat married Paul Krenz in 1953.  Their oldest daughter, LuAnne, was born in Minneapolis, and their daughter Vicki was born in Northfield. Paul was killed in a car accident by a drunk driver in February of 1958.  LuAnne was two and a half, and Vicki was five months old.  

Pat, LuAnne, and Vicki moved back to be with family in Park Rapids, MN.  Pat bought a home on Lake Emma that became a place of wonderful family memories.  

March 7, 1959, Pat married Don Sheldon.  They moved to Valley City, North Dakota.  Together, they had a daughter, Donnette. 

In 1964, the family moved to South St. Paul, where they lived until 1984.  They lived in Arden Hills for several years before buying their home on Big Marine Lake, where they lived until 2020. They have lived in an apartment in LuAnne’s home for the last five and a half years.  

Pat had a gift for sharing Jesus with everyone she met. She also kept them as friends. She complained that her friends were all gone, but she had more phone calls and visits than anyone we know. She worked tirelessly in each church they attended and the Christian Women’s Club. They attended Eagle Brook Church for the last twenty-five years. They were so happy to be in a church that reached people for Jesus Christ.  

She made everything the girls wore until they were old enough to buy their own clothes. She also made many beautiful quilts and gifts, and cards for all occasions. She was an artist, and we have beautiful art that she created and gave to her friends and family. Her creativity knew no bounds!

Patricia is survived by her husband, Don, brother, Jerry Pratt (Donna),  daughter LuAnne (Blair) Oklobzija, Vicki (Jerry) Benz, grandchildren, Blair Oklobzija (Amanda), Nic Oklobzija (Molly), Kathryn Barnett (Nic), Natalie Benz (Andy), Tyler Benz (Allison), Baylee Gerten (Sam), Madison Hay (John), and fourteen great-grandchildren.  

She is preceded in death by her parents, sister and brother, her daughter Donnette, and great-granddaughter Evelyn.

We will miss her earthly presence, but know that someday we will see her again. A family celebration of her life will be held in July.  

Instead of flowers, memorials are preferred to Village Missions.