Shelly Anne Meixsel

Shelly Anne Meixsel, age 61, passed away in Duluth on January 12, 2021, as a result of complications from COVID-19. The youngest child and only daughter of a career airman. Shelly was born in Topeka, Kansas, in 1959, and had lived in seven different states and three foreign countries. From Maine to New Mexico, and from Bermuda to Japan by the time she graduated from Madison County High School in Danielsville, Georgia, in 1977, following her dad’s retirement from the air force. Not yet having had her fill of a peripatetic lifestyle, Shelly promptly joined the Navy. During an eighteen-year career on active duty and in the reserve, she rose to the rank of Yeoman First Class, qualified as an expert pistol marksman, earned a navy achievement medal, national defense service medal, meritorious unit commendation, among other awards.

Assignment brought her to Superior in the early 1990s. Attracted by beautiful Lake Superior, and the superb schools for her two young children. Shelly was honorably discharged from the Navy and thereafter made Superior her home. Until her untimely passing, she had worked as a senior records technician for the Duluth Police Department’s major crimes unit. She was the 2010 recipient of the department’s Civilian Support Staff of the Year Award. She had previously worked for YWCA of Duluth and Minnesota Power.

In addition to her parents, Perry C and Lois Dawson Meixsel of St. Mary’s, Georgia, two brothers, Perry D. (Rose) Meixsel of White Oak, Georgia, and Richard (Christine) Meixsel of Charlottesville, Virginia, survive, as do her long-time companion Scott Hansen (of the home); her son, Ian McShane (Lindsey Sella) and daughter Kirsten (Wayne) Jondreau, both of Superior, and her grandchildren Skylar, Ronald, Alexandria, Dallas, Jace, Iyla, and Meri. Her great grandson, Carter. Her niece, Pearly, nephew, Russell, and many friends. She was preceded in death by George, her beloved bulldog.

Shelly was one of those people who never met a stranger. Her smile was contagious, and her humor will leave lasting memories in the hearts of many. She enjoyed traveling, playing golf, gardening, and everything in her flip flops. But most of all she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, of whose company she could never have too much. She leaves an impossible-to-fill void in our lives.

We would like to extend our appreciation to all the staff at Essentia Health who worked tirelessly with her. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life for Shelly’s friends and family will be held when it is safe to do so.