Shelley Burgau

Shelley Ann (Nelson) Burgau, 53, passed away unexpectedly on September 25, 2020, following a car accident.

Shelley was born on October 25, 1966 in Moorhead, MN to Ken and Marillyn Nelson. The love and importance of family was instilled at an early age, and Shelley and her younger sister, Shanna, developed a deep, lasting relationship; they were not only sisters, but best friends.

Shelley graduated from Jefferson High School in Alexandria, MN and earned her LPN degree in 1988 from Alexandria Technical College. Her nonstop energy and nurturing spirit were a perfect fit for nursing. She worked at Midwest Clinic of Dermatology in Alexandria, MN for almost 25 years, where she was a bright light to patients and coworkers alike.

Ryan came into Shelley’s life when she was in high school. They went on a few dates, but their relationship was short-lived: on their third date, Ryan asked Shelley when she was turning 18, and Shelley said she wasn’t turning 18… she was only 16! He broke up with her, but a few years later, when Ryan was in the law enforcement program at Alex Tech, they started dating again and eventually were married at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria, MN on June 27, 1987. She adored him and the feeling was mutual! Together they raised their three children: Brenna, Chessa and Brady. Family was everything to Shelley and her children and grandchildren were the pride and joy of her life, occupying her mind and filling her heart & prayers. Shelley and Ryan gave their children the priceless gift of a Christian upbringing and showed them how two imperfect people could have a beautiful marriage, when Jesus was their guide.

Her faith in, and love for Jesus were the foundation for Shelley’s daily life. She immersed herself in the Word and participated in Bible studies to grow in her faith, with her church family and home church group being an integral part of that growth.  She was a beautiful example of Romans 12:15 that says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Shelley had a tender, loving heart and would help anyone at a moment’s notice, whether it was praying, sending an encouraging message or showing up to help with something.  In big and small ways, she showed God’s love to others.

You can’t talk about Shelley’s life and not mention her forte: get-togethers! Whether she was hosting, organizing, or attending, she always had one in the works. She was intentional about being with people she loved…and there were so many. These gatherings will never be the same without her dimpled smile and laugh, but she will forever be present in the lives of those with whom she spent time.

Everyone knew that nothing could finish out a day for Shelley like a sunset, and she looked forward to every new day. Regardless of the constant “to dos” of life, she never failed to notice and remark on the beauty of the world around her.

Shelley loved her life and her presence will be missed by so many, but especially by her husband, Ryan Burgau of Alexandria, MN; daughters, Brenna (Jay) Harvey of Alexandria, MN; Chessa (Chase) Keimig of Chandler, AZ; son, Brady Burgau of Alexandria, MN; grandsons, Leon & Kendrick of Alexandria, MN; parents, Ken & Marillyn Nelson of Alexandria, MN; and sister, Shanna Domine of Alexandria, MN. Shelley was preceded in death by her grandparents, Earl and Evie Nelson and Garritt and Kathleen Ledeboer.

Visitation will held on Thursday, October 1, 2020, 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home.  Funeral service will be held on Friday, October 2, 2020, 11:00 AM at Lake Community Church in Alexandria with visitation one hour prior to the service at church.  Family requests that masks be worn and social distancing be followed per CDC guidelines for Shelley's visitation and funeral.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Lake Community Church.