Sheldon Nundahl, 78, of Lanesboro, formerly of Prior Lake, Minn., passed from this life peacefully at home April 13, 2026.
He was born November 17, 1947 to Melvin Nundahl and Sylvia Nundahl (Bentdahl) in New Ulm, Minn. Growing up, his early years were spent in Godahl where his father managed the Brown Watonwon County Coop. Sheldon attended country school through 8th grade graduating from St. James High School in 1965 followed by Dunwoody Institute for structural steel fabrication and welding. Sheldon was united in marriage to Dianna Lynn Hills on November 18, 1972. And a second marriage to Andrea Walsh on August 18, 2002.
Following Dunwoody, most of his career Sheldon worked at Le Jeune Steel in Minneapolis, followed by a few years at JL White Steel in Jordan, Minn. His last job, and all-time favorite, was at Eagan Repair. There, each day brought something new and different from an Eagan Park commissioned art piece; to a local funeral home bone grinder; to designing and building an enclosed trailer from the ground up. For Sheldon, who not only loved to restore something to working order; he enjoyed planning and assembling something new from scratch. He measured precisely; saying, “If you don’t have time to do it right the first time when will you have time to fix it later.” On his many visits to Mayo he enjoyed sharing with staff, “We built the Gonda Building.” Meaning he was one of the steel fabricating team who prepared the structural steel; likewise the then Norwest Bank Building (now Wells Fargo) in Minneapolis.
In 2007, 70 years after his grandfather purchased a new Farmall F-12 tractor, Sheldon began restoring it. He methodically dismantled each component one piece at a time, blasting and painting right down to each individual bolt. When he finished it ran and looked showroom perfect.
Upon retirement one of Sheldon’s favorite pastimes was shopping the 100 Mile Garage Sales, local Amish and online auctions. They supplied many treasures to occupy his patience and knowledge for fixing almost anything. He called them “old things” Many hours were spent in his shop restoring and repurposing them.
Sheldon had one non-negotiable in life; that of taking the life of the unborn. Although he had compassion for the mother, supporting abortion raised his ire. He felt all God’s creation had purpose and was to be respectfully stewarded as a gift. In his day-to-day walk he also loved feeding any critter that came across his path. Along the way he adopted caring for many domestic animals.
In 2017 on a Sunday drive through rural Lanesboro, he came across a restored country school. He said, “If that ever comes up for sale that’s where I’ll spend the rest of my days.” Less than 30 days later it came up for sale, and he made good on his word. Country living so agreed with him.
Sheldon is survived by his wife Andrea, two sons, Jim (Kristin) and Mike (Amanda); four grandchildren: Travis, Aaron, Makayla and Austin. Additionally, two adult stepchildren, Patrick Walsh and Jennifer Walsh Adleman; grandchildren Graham and Claire, his brother Roger (Coranne) and nephew Daniel Nundahl.
Sheldon was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, his first wife, Dianna; and nephew Nathan Nundahl.
Sheldon was a loving husband, father, grandfather and Christian devoted to his Savior Jesus Christ. Christian fellowship (and politics) with family and friends was his go-to topic. Wherever he was, VCY America Christian Radio was tuned in 24/7. He looked forward to their shareathons as opportunities to donate to their mission. He said it was his way to share God’s word with everyone who had an ear.
Sheldon’s body was accepted into the Mayo Research and Education Body Donation Program as he wished. His family is grateful for the care he received at the Rushford Winona Health Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and from St. Croix Hospice. In June, a memorial service will be held at the Historic Trondhjem Lutheran Church in Lonsdale, Minn.
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