Tommy D. Sheldahl

Tommy David Sheldahl passed away on May 4, 2023. He was born to Everett and Faye Sheldahl on March 4,1936 in Des Moines, Iowa and grew up on a farm outside of Polk City.

After graduating from Polk City High School in 1954, Tommy attended Grandview College where he participated in baseball and basketball. He then graduated from Iowa State Teachers College and began a lengthy career in education. He was a teacher, coach, and administrator in the Des Moines Public Schools and later became a high school principal in Keokuk and Carlisle. He finished his career as the superintendent of schools at Martensdale-St. Marys. Along the way he earned an MA in U.S. History from the University of Northern Colorado and an EdS from Iowa State University. Upon retirement he worked 14 years as Assistant Sergeant of Arms at the Iowa Senate, where you could see him seated at the door in his ever-present bow tie.

Tommy is survived by his wife of 34 years, Mary Elizabeth Sheldahl; and two sons, Jonathon (Kristin) Sheldahl of Des Moines, Iowa and James (Renee) Sheldahl of Yuma, Arizona. He is also survived by his stepson, Carl Shank (Lisa Duffy) of Iowa City, Iowa; and one brother, Terry of Savannah, Georgia. Tommy and Mary enjoyed their eight grandchildren, Tracy (A.J.) Fairfield, Reid Sheldahl, Jonathan Sheldahl, Hailey Sheldahl, Jordan Sheldahl, Nathan (Anna) Shank, Jenna Shank (Adam Edwards), and Natalie Shank. They also have one great-grandchild, Wyatt Shank-Edwards.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Funeral services will follow on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 1020 24th St, also in West Des Moines. Burial will take place at Glendale Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Mercy One Foundation for the Mary Sheldahl Endowed Nursing Scholarship, 411 Laurel Street, Suite 2250, Des Moines, IA 50314 or the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines for the St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church Capital Permanent Endowment Fund, 1915 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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