Shelby Merle Brustuen

Shelby Merle Brustuen, 78, of Seattle, WA, passed away on May 11, 2025 after a hard-fought battle with blood cancer related issues and cognitive decline.

Shelby was born September 6, 1946, to Syver and Mildred Brustuen (Sorensen) in Appleton, Minnesota, where he enjoyed small-town living and many adventures on the family farm.

Shelby graduated from Appleton High School in 1964, then went on to the University of Minnesota-Morris, eventually earning a degree in Sociology. Shelby joined the US Navy in 1969 and served until 1973. His time with the Navy took him to Keflavik, Iceland and Rota, Spain, of which he often talked fondly. He later went on to earn an MBA through City University in 1983.

Shelby loved baking krumkake, lefse and pumpkin bread and sharing his baked goods with family and friends every Christmas. He was a hobby woodworker, crafter, and an avid birdwatcher (his favorite being the Western Meadowlark); he could identify many types of birds and loved sharing his passion with others. Shelby enjoyed laughing, giving big bear hugs and telling stories about life on the farm and in the one-room schoolhouse he attended as a child. He was a man who wore his heart and emotions on his sleeve and will be dearly missed.

Shelby is survived by his 4 children Marin Brustuen, Megan (Jim) Humphries, Matthew (Lynette) Brustuen and Maja (Will) Gillespie and 6 beloved grandchildren, Austin, Kinsey, Leah, Allie, Piper and Jax. He is also survived by his brother Stuart (Cindy), niece Erin (Derek) DeBates, and grand niece Sophie, ex-wife Mim Brustuen, many beloved cousins and partner, Phyllis Thornton.

Preceding Shelby in death are his parents Syver and Mildred, niece Ashley and nephew Grant.

Memorial donations in Shelby’s memory may be directed to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (fredhutch.org) or the Columbia Lutheran Home (columbialutheranhome.org) as he received wonderful treatment and care through both organizations.