Elite Perry Shellenbarger

Elite Perry Shellenbarger, age 73, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Jan. 15, 2025.
Elite developed a strong work ethic from an early age working before school at his parents' bakery. In the summers, he enjoyed helping his Grandpa Dooley in the hay fields. Elite held these memories dear to his heart throughout his life and strived to emulate these important values.
Elite was the oldest of five boys and attended Hale Area Schools. In high school, he was an excellent student and accomplished athlete. He played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track, setting various records. After high school, Elite attended Northeastern School of Business.
Before graduating in 1971, Elite married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Euper. She was a support for him as he joined the National Guard shortly after, where he served until 1977.
Throughout this time, he began a career in banking. Elite continued his educational journey at the University of Wisconsin obtaining his master's degree in banking. In 1992, after 20 years in banking, Elite was elected Iosco County Treasurer. He served in this role for 27 years making a lot of positive contributions to his county. Elite had a reputation for being honest, fair, and making hard decisions to manage county funds in the best way possible. He truly served with integrity.
At home, Elite and Nancy raised two daughters, Heather and Shayna, surrounded by extended family. They instilled in their daughters the importance of family and maintaining traditions.
Elite was a devoted Detroit Tigers fan, and he and Nancy attended many games. Over the years, they shared a day at the ballpark with all of their grandchildren. In September, Elite enjoyed his last game at the stadium in a suite with all of his family.
Elite enjoyed ALL things outdoors. He was an avid hunter, trapper, and fisherman. He took many hunting trips shooting elk, mule deer, antelope, bear, and even a moose. Elite was happiest in the woods of his home property where he meticulously groomed the trails, trees, and blinds, welcoming his children and grandchildren to hunt there. He also continued the tradition of bailing hay in the fields surrounding his home.
After working a five day week, Elite helped his dad clerking auctions on Saturday. Each morning, you could find Elite in the local coffee shop at the break of dawn. He had a special way of folding his dollar bill for the basket in the center of the table.
Elite was a devoted member of the Kiwana's Club for years, serving as president and treasurer throughout his time. He and Nancy were also dedicated members of Tawas Methodist Church. He and Nancy had their secured spot in the second pew each Sunday.
Elite is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy; daughters, Heather (Brad) Hasty and Shayna (Ace) Castle; brothers, Plynn (Karol) Shellenbarger, Keyno (Karen) Shellenbarger and Tyson (Terri) Shellenbarger; his beloved grandchildren; Brittany (Jared) Prusick, Brenden LeMieux, Arika Hasty, Parker LeMieux, Carter Nelkie, Vanessa Castle, and Colton Hasty; and great grandchild, Ryker Prusick. He had many nieces and nephews, a few of which are his favorites, and his and Nancy's dog Maxx. Maxx loved his "paw-paw" and all the treats Elite gave him.
Elite was preceded in death by his parents, Perry and Alice Shellenbarger; and brother, Kyle Shellenbarger.
Family will hold a visitation service Sunday, Jan. 19, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Buresh Funeral Homes in Tawas. A second visitation will be on Monday, Jan. 20, at 10 a.m. at the Methodist Church along M-55 in Tawas, followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. including military honors. There will be a luncheon at the church following the funeral, and a private family procession to the cemetery in the afternoon.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Compassus Hospice, 3217 E. Michigan, 55 Ste. B, West Branch, MI 48661; Tawas Methodist Church, 20 E M55, Tawas City, MI., 48763. An online guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com to share condolences, memories, and photos of Elite.