SHEILA LYNN (PERNU) SHULTZ

Sheila Lynn Shultz (“Gramma Sheila”) passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on October 10th, 2023, in Ely, Minnesota. Sheila was an Ely fixture. Out-of-town visitors were always amazed by the number of locals who called her by name. Everyone seemed to know her.

Sheila was born on August 25th, 1949, in Virginia, Minnesota to Lester and Lillian (Mattila) Pernu, the youngest of ten. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Virginia in 1967. She married Paul Shultz July 3rd, 1970 in Virginia, whom she met at a local root beer parlor. She attended beauty school in Virginia and used the skills she learned throughout her life. She was especially known for giving haircuts to friends, neighbors, and family, which were often done in her own kitchen. She was also a skilled craftswoman, with woodworking and crocheting being her specialties.

Sheila was a part of the Ely School System for many years. One of her proudest accomplishments was completing paraprofessional training and serving the school and its students in this capacity. This was a role that she was exceptionally gifted in. She was so proud of past students she encountered who were working around town and she let them know it. Students long since out of the school system would greet her enthusiastically, often with a hug.

Sheila’s faith was a foundational component of her life as well and she was a dedicated and highly active member of the Ely United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School and serving as financial secretary. She left this world assured of her salvation. She will be remembered for her loving spirit, highly outgoing personality, and caring and selfless nature.

Sheila is survived by her husband Paul of Ely; sons Jason (Paula) of Ely, and Adam (Brittany) of Rochester, Minnesota; granddaughters Harlee (Joey) Myers, Lydia, Kaija, Delia and Vivian Shultz; great-grandchildren Hadleigh, Kensley, and Riley Myers; brothers James (Rosalie), Charles, and Dennis (Sharon) Pernu; sister Barbara (Joe) Durand; sister-in-law Joyce (Duane) Pernu; numerous cherished nieces and nephews and other extended family members, and by countless other individuals she served and positively influenced throughout her life’s journey. Her greatest joy and source of entertainment were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There will be an empty spot in the bleachers.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents Lester and Lillian, parents-in-law Joe and Ruth Shultz; siblings Lester, Duane, Marcia, William, and Susan, and her son, Eric.

The funeral will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely, Minnesota on Saturday, October 14th, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

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