Paula “Polly” Shelander, age 76, of Brandon, MN died November 24, 2024 at her daughter’s home in Cambridge. Memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 14th at Strike Life Tributes in Cambridge with visiting time one hour prior.
Paula “Polly” Shelander was born on November 19,1948 to LeRoy and June (Howe) Welter in Dubuque, Iowa. Paula grew up and graduated high school in Coon Rapids. Then shortly after, she began her career in administrative work. Paula then met the love of her life Mike, in Paula’s mom’s kitchen, as their parents were friends. They were united in marriage on October 05, 1968 at Epiphany Catholic Church in Coon Rapids. Mike and Paula moved to Ham Lake and welcomed their son Curt into the world in 1969, and their daughter Ronna in 1972. They resided in Ham Lake until they retired in Brandon, and lived in the lake house of their dreams. Paula was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2005, but she continued to live her life to the absolute fullest. Lake life was the life for Paula – Whether she was sunbathing, fishing, reading a book, or enjoying a campfire with some country music and fixings for s’mores – This was her happy place. In the late 2000’s Mike and Paula decided to continue their retirement in sunny Orange Beach, Alabama during the winter months. When Mike passed away in 2021, Paula decided to sell the lake house and downsize into a townhome just down the street. In 2024 Paula’s cancer had spread and treatment was no longer an option. Paula was then admitted into hospice and was able to spend her remaining days with her family by her side. Paula passed away peacefully on Sunday November 24, 2024 at her daughter Ronna and son-in-law Jason’s house. She is survived by her children Curt (Kathleen) of Brandon, Ronna (Jason) of Cambridge, granddaughter Shelbie (Andrew) of Isanti, brothers Mark of Ham Lake, Tony (Sherry) of Coon Rapids, Randy (Valerie) of Andover, Jim (Kathy) of Tennessee, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents.
I’ll miss you so much, Grandma. Thank you for all the great memories and unconditional love. I love you. Tell Grandpa I said hi. 💕
My favorite memory of Paula was all of them !
She was fabulously real always to say it as it was and SO Funny you always had a laugh with her.
She was SO proud of her family and loved them deeply.
It was an honor to call her a friend.
My special memory of Polly was in 1979. It was the day I moved to Minnesota. I had gotten lost trying to fine her brother Randy’s house. I was on Bunker Lake Blvd. about to Hwy 65 when a crazy lady in a T-Bird behind me kept honking and riding my bumper. I got pissed (no not me?) Stopped at 65 and turned around to give a hand signal:) The lady stuck her head out laughing and it was Polly!!! Man was I happy to see her! She said when she notice the lost looking driver from Iowa, she knew who it had to be. She said to follow her and I couldn’t hardly keep up. She was going 70 in a 55, I though for sure I was going to get busted my first day in MN. All I could think was Polly has a major lead foot!!! Mike was shotgun with her and I wondered if he was sweating like me? Anyway, angle Polly got me to Randy’s and its 45 years later, and I haven’t forgot!