Eileen June Drzycimski-Shellum

Eileen June Drzycimski Shellum, the daughter of John Edward (Jack) Drzycimski and Ona Grace Theeler Drzycimski, was born March 1, 1923 in Linn Grove, Iowa. She, with her brothers Kenneth (Bud) and Jerry grew up on farms in the Linn Grove and Peterson areas. She graduated from Linn Grove High School in 1940 and continued her education at The American Institute of Business in Des Moines, Iowa. She graduated with a degree in bookkeeping and secretarial work. Eileen worked at the Home State Bank in Royal, Iowa, until she was married in June of 1942 to Leonard Christensen of Royal. They farmed in the Brooke and Peterson areas until 1958 when they moved to Sioux Rapids. Six children were born to Eileen and Leonard: Patricia, twins Ronald and Donald, Joyce, Gary and Richard. Eileen worked for Thomas Thomas, Inc., an insurance firm of Spencer for many years, having moved there in 1962. She married Merrill Smith of Spencer in 1964 and moved to a farm south of Jackson, Minnesota. Eileen worked for the Jackson Vocational School for over 20 years, eventually becoming the office manager until she retired in 1988. Winters in Texas kept them on the move. Merrill passed away in 1998. Eileen married Lester Shellum of New Ulm in 2002 and enjoyed this community. She and Les had wonderful times and made many friends and memories wintering in Arizona. Throughout her life, Eileen was active in church and community activities. She held several offices at the different churches. Eileen could light up most any room. She is remembered as a vibrant and dynamic woman, with a beautiful smile and exuberant laugh. Family and friends brought her great joy, and she loved to gather them together around her table for large meals, lively talk and laughter. She also treasured RV camping, fishing trips with friends and traveling; road trips were a reason to enjoy coffee and pie along the way. Eileen rarely sat still; she enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing cards (especially 500 and Pinochle) and most of all, dancing. In fact, she clearly did out-polka the guests at her own wedding reception 12 years ago. Eileen loved to have fun; she loved to laugh; and she loved people. Eileen is survived by her six children, Pat/Larry from Webb, IA, Ronald/Peggy from Seneca, MO, Don/Dorene from St. George, UT, Joyce from Billings, MT, Gary/Gilda from Portland, OR and Richard/Kathy from Troutdale, OR as well as 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her husband, Lester of New Ulm, MN and sister-in-law, Shirley Drzycimski of Storm Lake, IA.

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