Obituary - William Carl Shellenberger

William Carl Shellenberger, professor-emeritus at Montana State University-Northern, died Saturday from complications arising from pulmonary fibrosis. He was surrounded by family and died peacefully at the age of 84.

Carl was born in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1930, and was known to friends and family as a jack of all trades and a master of many. From farmer to teacher, carpenter to author, mechanic to scientist, Carl prized both practicality and learning. Carl began working full-time when he was 14 years old, and among his many occupations were farmer, machinist, ambulance driver, orderly, roofer, road worker, carpenter, high school teacher and college professor.

Carl earned his master's of science degree from Syracuse University in 1960 and moved to Montana in 1966 to teach at Northern Montana College in Havre. During his nearly 50 years in education, Carl taught thousands of students in more than a dozen different science subjects, and attended 12 universities and colleges to expand his knowledge and hone his craft.

Carl married Carol Ann Baker, an elementary school teacher, in 1964, and the couple traveled the country during the summers as Carl furthered his education. In addition to being husband and wife, Carl and Carol were partners in all areas. Carol served variously as researcher, editor, illustrator and coauthor in writing books, preparing educational manuals, drafting lectures, and creating college courses.

In addition to his professional life, Carl was a long-time member of the Havre Masonic Lodge 55. He once served as master of the lodge, was the lodge's secretary for many years and served on the Temple Board. Carl was also a trustee of the Shorty Young Fund, an endowment that funds scholarships and other charitable causes.

Although a busy man, Carl always had time to answer a question, help a colleague or offer advice. He enjoyed camping, traveling and cooking, and was widely known to be able to fix anything. After years of rebuilding and restoring homes, Carl and Carol built their own home in 1985, where they lived until Carl's death. Family and home were Carl's true joy, and the kitchen table welcomed hundreds of guests over the years.

Carl's greatest pleasure in later life came from his grandchildren. Carol and Carl, now "Grammy" and "Pappy," delighted in spending time with their grandchildren Tanith, Grace, Kenny and Arin. Always a teacher, Carl instilled another generation with wonder, curiosity, knowledge and a love for learning.

Carl is survived by Carol, his wife of 51 years; their children, Scott, Aaron and Kevin, and Carl's children from a previous marriage, Mark and Eve.

Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, at Holland & Bonine Funeral Home, with a reception to follow at 15 West. Donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.