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Monte Lee Sheedlo
Born: 5/17/1941
Died: 2/23/2026
Age: 84
Community: Owosso, MI
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Monte Lee Sheedlo
Age 85 of Owosso passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Monte was born May 17, 1941, in Saginaw, Michigan, the son of Melvin and Beatrice (Pomeroy) Sheedlo. It was his parents who first instilled in him a lifelong love of music, teaching him the foxtrot and other classic dances that would later shape his musical path. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Colleen (Merrill) Sheedlo; his beloved son, Scott Sheedlo; his brother-in-law, Merle Lavrack; his nephew, Jim Jerome; his niece, Shelly (Chapman) Nelson; and his parents.
He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie (Jeff) Swinyer; his daughter-in-law, Elaine Sheedlo; his cherished grandchildren, Clarice and Ella Sheedlo, and Madeline and Parker Swinyer; his sisters, Marcia Lavrack and Barbara (Joseph) Ferrio; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
The greatest joy of Monte’s life was his family. He cared deeply for those he loved and cherished every moment with them, from everyday dinners at home, to telling stories and singing around the campfire, to his parents’ lively garage parties filled with laughter, and time spent at the family’s U.P. Lake Michigan property on Big Bay de Noc. As a grandfather, he was steady, proud, and present. Rarely missing a nearby concert, game, or milestone, and always quick with a compliment or words of encouragement for the latest accomplishment. His devotion to his family was unwavering and always at the very center of his heart.
Monte graduated from Saginaw High School in 1959. He then attended Michigan State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in 1964 and later a Master’s Degree in Music in 1974. While at MSU, he was a member of the music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha. He was also a very proud trumpet player in the MSU Spartan Marching Band and would later serve as President of the MSU Alumni Band, staying connected to the Spartan band community throughout his life.
The greatest joy of Monte’s life was his wife and his family. On June 17, 1967, Monte married Colleen Ann Merrill, the love of his life. Together, they shared over 52 loving years of marriage, building a life that blended faith, laughter, music, and family.
Monte dedicated more than 35 years to education as a high school band director, beginning at the Saginaw Eddy Band, Benton Harbor High School, Chesaning Union School, and spending 27 impactful years at Owosso High School. There, his steady leadership, musical excellence, and genuine care for students shaped generations of young musicians and built a band program rooted in pride, discipline, and heart. Following his retirement in 1998, Monte remained deeply committed to music education, serving as a respected judge for band competitions across Michigan and supporting young artists as a Scholarship Representative for Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. He continued to mentor and encourage students as they pursued their own musical journeys.
He was a devoted supporter of music education and the broader band community, maintaining lifelong affiliations with the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) and the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA). He also served in the Kiwanis of Owosso and sang joyfully in the St. Paul Catholic Church Choir, where he lived his faith.
Monte’s presence in the Owosso community was wide and deep, reflected in both his professional contributions and his personal friendships. In 1998, he was honored as a Grand Marshal of the Curwood Festival, celebrating his spirit of community service and local involvement.
He brought steady strength, music, and joy to all who knew him.
A special thank you to all of his dear friends, former band students, caregivers, and neighbors for their constant love and support over the years.
The family will receive friends at Nelson-House Funeral Home on Friday, February 27, from 3:30-8:00 pm. A rosary will be prayed starting at 3:30 pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 28, 11:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Church, with Fr. Michael O’Brien officiating. Monte will be laid to rest at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery at a later date.
A reception will follow at Edgewood Gardens from
3:00 pm-6:00 pm, including dinner.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Owosso High School Trojan Band or St. Paul Catholic Church.
Please Note: We recommend donating directly online. Checks are not recommended.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at Nelson-House.com. |
Copyright © 2026 Direct Obits, LLC
| Visitation |
| Date: |
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2/27/2026 |
| Time: |
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3:30 PM |
| The family will receive friends at Nelson-House Funeral Home on Friday, February 27, from 3:30-8:00 pm. A rosary will be prayed starting at 3:30 pm. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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2/28/2026 |
| Time: |
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11:00 AM |
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| Location: |
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St. Paul Catholic Church
111 North Howell Street
Owosso, MI 48867Get a Map to this location...
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| Official: |
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Father Michael O'Brien |
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