Arlo W. Shelander

Arlo Warren Shelander was born on January 11, 1947, at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Growing up in the Fifties, Arlo moved with his family to Crystal, Minnesota where he had a fun and adventurous childhood. In 1964 Arlo enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably during the Vietnam war where he earned a national defense service medal and an expert badge for the M-14 rifle. After being honorably discharged in 1967 Arlo continued his service later in life by being involved in both the North Branch Legion and Rush City VFW.

In 1988 Arlo met the love of his life, Loretta Pearson, and through this union they had two boys. Kristopher born in 1989 and Dillon in 1995. Settling down in North Branch, Minnesota, he worked for Schwing Inc for many years before retiring. After retirement Arlo and Loretta lived together until 2024 when her Alzheimer’s diagnosis became too much to manage. Selling their home to pay for her cares he moved in with his son, Dillon, for a period of time before staying with his sister, Debbie.

On February 27, 2026, Arlo was called home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Arlys Shelander and two brothers, Mike and Kenny; brother-in-law, Mike Held; sister-in-law, Paula Shelander. Arlo is survived by Loretta; his two sons, Kristopher (Courtney) Shelander, Dillon (Sarah) Shelander; his grandson, Warren Shelander; sister, Debbie Held and many friends and relatives.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.