Sheldon E. Kreisel, 86
Sheldon E. Kreisel, age 86, of New Hampton, walked home with Jesus on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020, at VA Central Iowa Hospice in Des Moines.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton, with Pastor Kevin Frey officiating.
Burial will be held at a later date at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, at Conway-Markham Funeral Home and will continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral on Saturday.
Online condolences may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, New Hampton American Legion Post 38 or the family.
Sheldon Eugene was born Oct. 30, 1934, the son of Herbert and Frances (Gates) Kreisel in Mora, Minnesota.
He graduated from West High School in Minneapolis, and earned his bachelor’s degree at Mankato State University and a master’s degree from Iowa State University.
His undergrad work was interrupted when he was called up from the Army Reserves for active duty. He served two years in Germany, even leading a Boy Scout troop overseas.
Returning to Mankato State, Sheldon met Betty Ann Schultz, the love of his life. Sheldon used a picture of Rock Hudson, married to his cousin, to impress her! The couple was united in marriage on July 24, 1959, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.
They returned to Mankato for a short time where they welcomed their first daughter, Kimberly. Sheldon’s teaching career began in Vinton, where they welcomed their second daughter, Amy.
Soon after, they made their home in New Hampton. Sheldon taught at New Hampton High School for 27 years where he enjoyed teaching driver’s education, and coaching track, cross country and basketball, retiring in 1993.
Over the years, Sheldon was an avid supporter of anything related to sports and the arts at NHHS and area colleges. He was a high school cheerleader and he never stopped cheering others on the rest of his life.
Sheldon was a great husband, father, grandpa, Eagle Scout, veteran, servant. He never met a stranger and he loved God, family, country and community.
The Kreisel family loved camping all over the country in their cozy fold down camper. He and Betty moved up to a fifth-wheel when they were empty nesters!
Some summers were spent at Boy Scout camps where Sheldon was the waterfront director. Later he was actively involved with helping Ben and Sam earn their Eagle Scout rank. Sheldon and Betty devoted years of service to the American Legion, filling numerous leadership roles.
He volunteered 19 years at Boys State as sports director and office support. Don’t forget fun years of square dancing! He loved to be a part of his faith community at Trinity. As a cancer survivor, he was a regular volunteer with Relay for Life. We are thankful for his saving faith that secured his eternity in heaven.
Those left to honor his memory are his two daughters, Kim (Mark) Thomas of Urbandale, and Amy (Scott) Robinson of Atlantic; his grandsons, SSG Benjamin (Tanner) Thomas of Utah, Samuel Thomas of Davenport, and Anthony (Annabel) Robinson of Omaha. While we grieve in the flesh we rejoice in spirit knowing he is with Betty and we will see him again.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 60 years, Betty on Jan. 3, 2020; his brother, Harlan; and his sister, Leone.
