Michael O'Dell Shamblin

Michael O’dell Shamblin age 82 of Edina, Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on September 12, 2024, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. He was born August 23, 1942, in Columbus, Ohio to George Walter Shamblin and Charlotte Douglass Shamblin who preceded him in death. He was their only child. Michael married Delores Cakebread in June of 1960. He was survived by Delores and their two children, Patricia Caroline Shamblin and Jon Michael Shamblin. He was also survived by his three grandchildren, Elizabeth Grace, Hannah Marion, and Michael Robert Palleja and his cousin Susan Chase.

Michael was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend. He never met a dog or a baby that he didn’t love and would be terribly disappointed if he encountered a dog and did not have a treat to share. He would be quick to point out that St. Francis had instructed us to care for all the creatures of the earth. Christmas was always his favorite time of year, and he took particular pride in spoiling his grandchildren at every opportunity, since they meant the world to him. Mike was a fan of the Minnesota Twins and the Vikings although having survived four Superbowl losses, he felt that the Vikings best talent was probably the ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

As a young man, Michael attended the University of Minnesota where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree. He then enlisted in the army from 1969 to 1975 and was stationed in Germany working on the Nike missile program. After leaving the service, he finished law school at William Mitchell law school in Minnesota. He worked for many years as a family law attorney for Hennepin County in Minneapolis, Minnesota, retiring from that position in 2009.

Following his retirement, he was an avid world traveler and visited many countries, generously treating each grandchild to a European trip with their grandpa after their high school graduation, creating a lifetime of memories that they will cherish always.

Michael was a long-time member of St. Bartholomew’s church in Wayzata, MN and his faith was very important to him and a source of great comfort throughout a long illness. A service will be held at St. Bartholomew's on October 9th at 2 pm followed by a visitation at Gearty Delmore Funeral home in Plymouth, MN from 4 pm to 5 pm, a Celebration of Life memorial at 5 pm and reception to follow on October 9th. Interment will be on October 10th at the Fort Snelling military cemetery.

We’ll miss him dearly, and he’ll forever be in our hearts.