Patrick 'Pat' Allen Sheldon , 68, longtime Minot elementary educator, died Sunday, June 28, 2020, in a Minot hospital.

Pat was born March 20, 1952, in Bismarck, ND, to Allen and Leonora (Mork) Sheldon. He grew up in Minot and graduated from Minot High School in 1970. He pursued his college degree at Minot State University, where he was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1975.

Pat met his future wife, Deborah 'Debbie' Lynn Kunkel, on a sunny day at Rice Lake in 1973 at a family friend's cabin. They were united in marriage on June 5, 1976, at Christ Lutheran Church in Minot, where they made their home and were blessed with the birth of a son, Patrick Lannie.

Pat spent his teaching career in the Minot Public School System starting with sixth grade. He loved elementary and switched to fifth grade so that he could continue there after sixth grade was moved to middle school. He completed 32 years in Minot between Dakota, Sunnyside, and North Hill Elementary (Lewis and Clark) Schools. He retired from teaching in 2007. Pat then worked 11 years with Ackerman Estvold Engineering Consultants until he fully retired in 2018.

Pat enjoyed hunting waterfowl and upland game, but his passion was hunting turkey at the Sandhills south of Denbigh, ND. He also loved fishing, golfing, and entertaining family, friends and neighbors in the garage where he always was cooking something.

Pat cherished his granddaughter, Mira, from the day she was born. He enjoyed every moment he spent with her, and you could see the glow in his face when they were together. They shared a very special bond.

Those who shared his life were his wife of 44 years, Debbie, Minot, ND; son Patrick (Shanda Cool) Sheldon and granddaughter Mira Sheldon, Bismarck, ND; sister Peggy (Truman) Olson, Fargo; mother-in-law Eline Kunkel, Minot; sister-in-law Nancy (Mike) Kramer, Minot; niece Missy (Ben) Whitsett, Austin, TX, and numerous cousins.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Lannie Kunkel and a number of aunts and uncles.

A book signing will be held on Thursday, July 2, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot. Social distancing and capacity guidelines will be followed, and patience with the staff is appreciated.
A private family interment will be held at Rosehill Cemetery, rural Norwich, ND.

Pat Sheldon Floral Arrangements