Shelby Lauf

Shelby Lauf, age 38, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully Saturday, September 7, 2024, with his family by his side.
He was born on July 19, 1986, in Jefferson City, a son to Rita Sue Coleman. He attended and graduated from high school in Rosemount, Minn., in 2004. Shortly following graduation, Shelby and his family returned to Jefferson City.
Shelby possessed an insanely social and charismatic personality that led to his employment at various restaurants and bars in the Jefferson City scene. He made countless friends over the years through his work in the service industry; "Hi, friend!" became his staple gesture whenever running into someone he knew. After working in the service industry, Shelby transitioned to the role of senior analyst within the Department of Secondary Education for the State of Missouri.
Witty and outspoken, Shelby enjoyed a good debate, a road trip with friends, and the simpler things in life. He took pleasure in reading, hiking, swimming, and had a lifelong fascination with wolves; his wolf collection was something to be seen! Shelby spent several years keeping up with the hottest music trends as a DJ at various bars. He was eccentric in nature and strong in his convictions, yet willing to do research and keep an open mind to new ideas.
More than anything, Shelby loved his daughter and family the most. His world revolved around his little girl, and he made sure she knew how loved and special she was to him. Even through his hardest trials, Shelby remained positive and fully lived his life by the motto, "Hakuna Matata". He exuded gratitude, selflessness, and kindness and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His legacy of a passion-filled life will be remembered and cherished by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his daughter and apple of his eye, Isabella Ferrin-Camden of Jefferson City; his mother, Rita Coleman of Jefferson City; brother, Cameron Erickson (Chelsey) of Jefferson City; nephew, Braden Hull of Jefferson City; niece, Alexis Erickson of Jefferson City; aunts, Lisa Zimmerman (Keith) of Leander, Tx., and Tina Koenig of Jefferson City; cousins, Brittany Koenig of Liberty Hill, Tx., Chelsea Zimmerman of Leander, Tx., and Cody Koenig of Jefferson City; stepfather, Nicholas Erickson (Amy) of Florida; and siblings from another mother, Dustin Albertson of Ottumwa, Ia., Lee McKinney of Jefferson City, and Corrie and Cole Scoggs of Jefferson City.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Jeannie "Gran" Koenig.
Private services will be held on a future date.
In lieu of flowers, Shelby would prefer for acts of kindness to be shown and making a stranger a friend.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.