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Norman Hersch
July 23, 2021
Miss you Shelly.
This should not have ended this way
Melanie Brudos
July 24, 2009
Wow, I can't beleive it has almost been a year.... Shelly, I think of you every single day and in re-reading these entries, I concur with what Kathy said--you live on in those you have impacted. You have impacted me. I thank you. I miss you.
Glen Hausfeld
July 24, 2009
I remember.
Avery M.
September 14, 2008
Thank you everyone for writing such sweet notes! I am Shelly's Great Niece.
Uncle Shelly, I miss you so much! I love you with all my heart and still can not believe your gone. I will always rembember the memories we had. I love you!!! Avery
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Morris Carter
September 11, 2008
I was the electrical contractor on his restaurant in Rockville MD and just learned of his passing. He was a great man and a man of his word! We worked together, especially on getting the lighting just right, here in Rockville and when he brought me to Chicago. He built an amazing structure with hand honed wood inside and out, a true lodge here in Maryland. My prayers go out to his family and I will always remember his excellence.
Jay Donner
September 2, 2008
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of Shelly. I worked for him for over 10 years, and am saddened by the loss. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Melanie Brudos
September 1, 2008
In celebration of Shelly's life and the impact he had on so many, an informal reunion will be held at the former Shelly's Woodroast in St Louis Park (now Alaska Eatery) at 7:00 pm on Friday, September 5th.
Everyone is welcomed! We are meeting in the bar area for drinks and apps.
We look forward to seeing you!
Kim Wallin
August 27, 2008
To Shelly's Family:
I worked for Shelly for about two years he was the most wonderful boss a person could have. What a great loss to the family and community. He will be missed but never forgotten. All of girls at Louies loved him. I am so sorry.
Tim Hawkins
August 25, 2008
When I came back from vacation I heard about Shelly. It's been on my mind every day since. I gave Shelly a haircut just days before. I've said a prayer everyday for Shelly's family and Lyle. I really enjoyed Shelly as a client and freind. I will miss him very much. Tim Hawkins
Kathy Gates Gilmore
August 25, 2008
I just heard about the passing of Shelly. As the shock passed , I realized that I had to write. I knew Shelly for many years. I was an employee of his at his first reastaurant on Hennepin & continued on with the second in St. Louis Park. Shelly was more than a boss, a manager or a busness owner. I have many stories of those first few years on Hennepin. Shelly was always there, either jumping behind the bar to pour drinks, to slicing strawberries for shortcake in the hot kitchen to clearing tables. One busy Saturday night, I went to drop off dirty dishes & he was there , behind the counter, sleeves rolled up, standing in sloppy dish water( covering his very expensive leather shoes) washing the dishes himself, simply because they needed to be done! One month, some unexpected bills came up for a co-worker. When Shelly found out, he offered a cash advance, with the words, just pay me back when you can. But that's the kind of guy he was. As the business grew, he was a bit less hands on, but would always take the time to aknowledege me & give a big huge & a how are you . My husband & I now own our own business, Divine Swine Catering, and I strive to exemplify the lessons that Shelly taught me. It saddens me that he is gone, but in a way he lives on in the many people whose lives he influenced. One thing that Shelly insisted on was quality, from the feel of the heavy napkins ,to the best service, to real maple syrup & fresh herbs from provence. Like some of the others, I too, will raise a glass of Scotch to Shelly, but not just any Scotch, for he deserves the top shelf.
Mike & Delores Friedman
August 7, 2008
Dear Sharon & Seymour & family,
We are so sorry to learn of your loss. It is so painful to loose people you love. G__ Bless you and your family.
Norman Hersch
August 7, 2008
SHELLEY- I consider you family. I was thinking of you while walking here in San Francisco. I saw a guy in a blue searsucker suit, panama hat and a big cigar in hand. I thought it was you. It was a message. I will deeply miss you.
for my father, and family. Love ya,
Norman Hersch
Christopher Walczak
August 4, 2008
I found out just a few days a ago that Sheldon Jacobs has passed on. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and close friends. Mr. Jacobs was my employer from 1993, including one summer working at his DC location, until its closing in 1998. Shelly's Woodroast was like family away from family and everyone looked out for one another. When I moved away to Vermont I told my friends in Vermont about Shelly's Woodroast and the unique style it served. I also remember the days working a friday night in section "H" and waiting on shelly and his friends smoking cigars and drinking their scotch. Well shelly, this weekend I will have a cigar and a scotch in your honor and memory. God Bless!
Greg Hoyt
August 4, 2008
Shelly was the soda jerk with properly formed seltzer, exquisite cream soda, and delicious flavor. He was the sandwich artist with beautifully cured and perfectly cooked pastrami, and the finest mustard served on sublime rye. He was the palate with whom this coffee geek tried over 12 different blends to get it right. I feel blessed to have been reminded by Shelly that anything worth doing must be done with verve. Thank you, Friend.
Cindy Johnston
August 3, 2008
My deepest sympathies to Shelly's family and friends. I worked at the woodroast from opening day to the sad closing night. Shelly was the reason so many of stayed there for so long. He was a generous boss who cared for us like family. He will be greatly missed.
David Donner
August 3, 2008
It deeply saddened me when I got the news. I too got to know Shelly thru his restaurant. Thoughts and prayers out to his family.
Jonathan Hopkins
August 3, 2008
I was Shelly's Kitchen Manager in St. Louis Park for five years until the store closed in 1998. Shelly was by far one of the most unique people I ever was lucky enough to meet, and taught me so much about the business and myself. I found out just today that Shelly has left us, and my thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I have so many good memories from the WoodRoast...I saw Shelly a few times at Louie's Habit, and his food was excellent as always. I hadn't seen him for a few years, and he was surprised when I came through the door. We sat and talked, and he was real excited to have me taste all the roasted meats and steak chili. In my years in the business, I never had an employer that treated me like Shelly did. He really cared about the happiness, success and well being of his people, and insisted that we take our vacations and have a work schedule that allowed lots of personal time to enjoy life. I know Shelly lived life to it's fullest, and he will be missed by many.

Sheldon Jacobs, Shelly's Back Room Washington DC
August 2, 2008
Wendy K. Hacker
August 2, 2008
I also worked for Shelly in St. Louis Park for many years and am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I will always be grateful to have been a part of his life and thankful for the opportunities he gave me. I will keep his family in my prayers and will continue to remember him as a gracious and loving friend. Blessed be his memory.
Susan Dudovitz-Ralph
August 2, 2008
How deeply saddened I am to hear this news. When I think of all the fun we had so many years ago I can't help but smile through the tears. May God bring his family comfort.
Jill Naegele Trautz & family
August 2, 2008
Shelly was a very special friend to our family ever since I can remember (40 + years). He was a cherished guest with our immediate family many years for my mother Ellis' birthday dinners. We loved dear Shelly and will miss him. Sending our love & condolences to all...
Melanie Brudos (House)
August 2, 2008
I would agree, shock and disbelief, this is difficult to absorb. It is almost hard to write this because I don't understand. My deepest sympathies go out to Shelly's family; especially Elaine, Sharon, and to you Lyle. "Leader" would be the first adjective I would use to label Shelly... "ecentric/ sophisticated" and "1st class" would follow close behind. I worked for Shelly for 10 years at Shelly's Woodroast on 394 in the goood ole' days. Beginning at age 19, I grew up working for him and he taught me so much. Some said he was hard to work for...oh contraire! Shelly upheld a standard, and as long as that standard was met, he was happy--that standard was quality--it was that simple! The longevity of employees at Shelly's during those years confirmed that. We were indeed a family. Shelly taught me how to be a good employee, and he taught me how to survive in the business world. I think of his little sayings every day and feel privaleged that he took the time to share them with me. Is there anyone else out there that missed the funeral and would like to meet? A Shelly's reunion? Shelly was a mentor that I will always cherish and never forget. Thank you Shelly--I am sorry for whatever took you away. Melanie
David Sidley
August 1, 2008
I worked at Shelly's Woodroast from 1991 until it closed in 1998 and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. It was so because Shelly was a great man. He genuinely cared about his employees and his guests. What I learned from working with and for him is invaluable. I was lucky to know him and am sorry to hear of his death.
With deepest sympathy, David Sidley
Gregg Hackett
August 1, 2008
I am so saddened by the news of Shelly's death. I have so many fond memories of working closely with Shelly during the creation of Woodroast and Shelly's Back Room. While we grew distant in recent years he has never been far from my thoughts. My memories of him will always bring a smile to my face. He was a character that can not be replicated.
Joan Iacona
August 1, 2008
To the Jacobs Family-
I am shocked and saddened at the news of Shelly's passing. I hope you find peace during this difficult time.
Joan Iacona
John Billings CEC
July 31, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Richard Sweet
July 30, 2008
To Shelly's family.My deepest sympathies.
Your friends at Mahogany Bay
July 30, 2008
Our sincerest condolences; our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill Fisher
July 30, 2008
To the Family of Shelly Jacobs and Lyle Berman, may our G-d keep you close to his heart during this time of great sympathy. Shelly's hats, cigars and sauces will always be remembered. Shelly always had a big smile and hand-shake when he walked in a room. We love you Shelly.
Bill Fisher
July 30, 2008
To the Jacob's Family & Lyle Berman, in this time of the surprise of Shelly's passing may G-D bless you and help you through these sad times. Shelly's hat, cigars and sauces will never be forgotten. Shelly always had a big smile and hand shake for me when he walked in a room. May our Lord keep our good memories of Shelly and his family which passed before him.
Lesley Mottla
July 30, 2008
Lisa, Elaine, Chris, Zach, Avery, Ethan:
We were so sorry to hear of Shelly’s death. Our sympathy and thoughts are with you.
Love,
Lesley, Jim and Phyllis
Wayzata Marine Minnetonka Marine
July 30, 2008
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marc & Stacy Miller
July 30, 2008
With deepest sympathies to the Jacob's family and friends. May G-d bless.
helayne bruntjen
July 30, 2008
Dear Irwin, Alex and all the Jacobs family,
I am so sorry to hear of Shelly's passing. He was a good man with a good heart. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
With sincere sympathy.
Helayne Bruntjen
Arlie Sherman
July 29, 2008
We are shocked at Shelly's passing. Sincere condolences and our heartfelt sympathy to all the family.
Arlie and Paula Sherman
GERI GOLDBERGER
July 29, 2008
ELAINE, MY THOUGHTS AND LOVE ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY .
rolle robinson
July 29, 2008
my mother and rose jacobs were friends.
i have such fond memories of the jacobs family.
my sincere condolences to his sisters, neices and friends.
sending you loving thoughts,
rolle schwartz robinson
Janis Berman
July 29, 2008
My deepest and most sincere sympathy in the loss of Shelly. He was a good friend to many people. I will always think of him with his hat, cigar and walking stick. He will be greatly missed.
Anoush, Hadi, Abbass & everyone from Hemisphere.
July 29, 2008
Dear Mr. Jacobs & Family,
We are so saddened for your lost and would like to offer you our deepest sympathy. Sheldon was a great man and will be missed immensely. Our condolences to you all.
Greg Barron
July 29, 2008
Shelly's passing will leave us all with a little less energy, imagination -- and passion. He aspired to greatness and often came close.
Barbara Ritzen
July 29, 2008
I am so saddened by the loss of Shelly. I remember him always with his hats and the cigars and a twinkle in his eye.
Elaine Gorman
July 29, 2008
I am so very saddened to hear of Shelly's passing. My deepest sympathies to all of you - Elaine, Lisa, Dana, David, Sharon & Seymour, and Irwin & Alex. He was and will always be in my heart.
Bill & Pam Mottla
July 29, 2008
To Lisa & Chris Mottla and family, so sorry to hear about Shelly. Please send our regards to Elane as well.
Bill Mottla
Jeffrey Wagner
July 29, 2008
Shelly was a good man and fair man. We got to know each other very well over the last 30 years. I will miss him.
Eugene Gittelson
July 29, 2008
To the Jacobs Family:
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of a wonderful Guy Shelly.
Reminiscing the Day's of Playing Baseball at Lincoln Jr. High.
You have our Deepest Sympathy,
Gene Gittelson & Family
Mark Duchow
July 29, 2008
Dear Irwin & Family,
I am sorry for your loss. Find peace in the memories.
Warm Regards,
Richard Ogren
July 29, 2008
Ihave been Shelly's close freind for 48 years. We first met as teen agers when he came to work with me at Sim's Ltd on Hennepin and Lake. We have been partners in a 57 Chris Craft on Lake Minnetonka. We usually spoke at least 2-3 times a week. I am somewhat angry, but I already miss my dear friend. My wife Patti and I will travel for the funeral today to say farewell to our good freind.
Maxine Stein Robbins
July 29, 2008
Sharon, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family members!
The Shumans
July 29, 2008
With deepest sympathy, our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, and loved ones.
Glen Hausfeld
July 29, 2008
My heart goes out to you at this time in your lives
and in the days ahead.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
May your memories bring you comfort.
Showing 1 - 52 of 52 results
126 E Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404

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