Michael David “Mike” Shelledy, age 43, of Norwalk, Iowa, died unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm at his home on Mon., morning Feb. 10, 2020.

An open viewing and time of reflection for those wishing to pay their respects early was on Fri., Feb. 21, 2020, at O'Leary Funeral Services in Norwalk.

A visitation with Mike's family present was Sat., Feb. 22, 2020, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Norwalk. The family received guests during a luncheon immediately following services at the church.

Per Mike’s wishes, “Mike’s Tailgate” celebration of life was held at Events Center West, 1701 25th Street, West Des Moines. All were invited to wear their team and/or tailgate apparel and come to share stories and toasts to Mike.

Michael's Life Story

Michael David “Mike,” the son of David Ray and Karen Elizabeth (Killday) Shelledy, was born Nov. 9, 1976, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was raised in Norwalk with his younger sister, Chrissy, where they were both very active in instrumental and vocal music. He participated in show choir, played the trumpet in jazz band and French horn in concert band, and was involved in speech and theatre. Mike also loved playing football all four years of high school.

Following high school, he attended Luther College in Decorah where he was a Music Performance Major and was a member of the Nordic Choir. The choir toured throughout the United States and, during an eastern European tour, was the first group to perform in the Kremlin following the fall of the Berlin Wall. After graduating from Luther College, he attended graduate school at the University of Iowa. Mike performed in several operas at both Luther College and the University of Iowa at Hancher Auditorium. He was invited to participate at the International Luzern Festival in Switzerland and performed to a full house at an outside courtyard at the Luzermusikhochschule where he received a rare standing ovation for the Count’s Aria from the Marriage of Figaro.

He loved all genres of music and could usually be persuaded to do his Elvis impersonation or a Frank Sinatra song at parties and weddings. He was also chosen by the Director of the Des Moines Symphony, Joseph Giunta as a finalist in the "Oh Say Can You Sing" contest to perform with them at the Yankee Doodle Pops.

During his time at Luther College, Mike met the love of his life, Kimberly Janice Pluta ‘99. They were married in West St. Paul, Minn., on Oct. 16, 1999 and then made their home in Norwalk.  Their son, John Michael “Jack” was born Jan. 12, 2006, and their daughter Liliann Christine “Lily” was born Nov. 29, 2007. Mike was employed as a Senior Project Manager at Shazam and treasured his relationships with his team and associates.

He loved watching Iowa Hawkeye football games with his dad and watching the Chicago Bears with friends, but most of all he loved spending time with his family. He found joy in sharing his love of music, books and movies with his kids. The family spent several Saturday evenings each month preparing a meal together and watching a movie at home. Jack and Lily loved fishing and camping with their dad. The family set aside several weekends each summer for trout fishing trips.

His love for fishing extended into a group that came to be known as the Troutslayers. Mike was the proud Sergeant at Arms for the group who spent a weekend each year fishing in Northeast Iowa. He was a dear friend to many and could always be counted on for a laugh, a supportive ear, or a beverage.

Mike and his sister, Chrissy, shared a very special relationship. They were the best of friends and anyone who knew them both will tell you they took care of each other. Growing up, you could often find them sitting at the piano practicing a duet, singing or just goofing around. As adults, they would get together to cook or to just go out to dinner. Mike had a “larger than life” personality and kids loved him. His nephews, Raymond and Wesley were no exception. They adored him. They had special games they played and were frequently asking to go see Mike.

He enjoyed his family, his friends and his job. Mike was genuine. A good friend stated, “Mike would want the laughter to continue.” He lived a full life and “he did it his way.”

Mike died unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm on Feb. 10, 2020, at his home in Norwalk. He lived 43 years, three months, and one day. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Floyd Shelledy, grandmother Shirlene Killday and uncles Mike Killday and Mitch Roberts.

Michael is survived by his wife Kimberly (Pluta) Shelledy ‘99, son John Michael “Jack”, daughter Liliann Christine “Lily”; parents David and Karen Shelledy, Norwalk; sister Chrissy (and Lucas) Freed, nephews Raymond and Wesley Freed, West Des Moines; grandfather Bob Killday, Kirksville, Mo.; grandmother Mary Shelledy, New London, Iowa; mother-in-law and father-in-law Jan and Mike Pluta, South St. Paul, Minn.; and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.