Obituary of Gerald Richard Shelly

Gerald "Rick" Richard Shelly was born on Friday, January 3, 1919 in Nova Scotia, Canada. He was one of six children born from the union of the late Denis and the late Blanche (Kincaid) Shelly. Rick moved to Michigan in his early teens and graduated from Monroe High School with the class of 1937. He served his country honorably in the United States Merchant Marines during World War II. Rick married the former Betty Lupke on November 3, 1945 in the parsonage at Trinity Lutheran Church. From this union came the birth of two wonderful children. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe. Rick supported his family through employment with Monroe Auto Equipment as a tool and die maker, later taking a position with Ford Motor Company, Woodhaven Stamping Plant, retiring in 1985. During the 1950’s, he was privileged to teach machine shop at the Monroe Vocational Building for about ten years. After retirement, Rick enjoyed working part time at the River Raisin Golf Club in the Maintenance Department. Gerald "Rick" Richard Shelly, age 97, of Monroe, passed away on Sunday December 4, 2016 at Well- Spring Lutheran Services. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by a daughter: Pamela S. Bowen; brothers: Denis Shelly, William E. Shelly, and Edward A. Shelly; and sisters: Elisabeth Knapp and Edith Wright. To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife of seventy-one years: Betty J. Shelly of Monroe, Daughter: Roxanne (Thomas) Martensen of Monroe; Son-in-law: Tom Bowen of Southgate; grandchildren: Brian T. (Karen) Martensen, Bridget (Joseph) Huss, Erin (Scott) House, Susan Zarenski, Patricia (Scott) Johnson, Heather (Eric) Woelkers, and Thomas (Crystal) Bowen; nephews: Edward Shelly, Peter C. Wright, Harmon (Chip) Wright, Charles E. Knapp; niece: Katherine Kluender; and twelve great-grandchildren. Friends may gather from 12:00am until a funeral service at 1:00pm on Wednesday December 7, 2016 at Wellspring Lutheran Services chapel, 1236 S. Monroe Street, Monroe, MI 48161 with Pastor Jeffrey Heimsoth of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Private burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan. Arrangements have been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, MI (734)384-5185. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church. Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration, send a floral arrangement or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.