Life Story Celebration
Sunday, January 19, 2025
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM EST
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900
Where food, drinks & stories will be shared.
Contributions
At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.
Kalamazoo Animal Rescue
4669 Executive Drive
Portage, MI 49002
(269) 226-8570
Web Site
Flowers
Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.
Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site
Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site
Life Story / Obituary
Everyone who knew Shane Sheldon would quickly agree on three things: Shane was loyal to his core, his attention to detail was second to none, and he had the biggest heart. Shane’s passion for serving his community was evident in his every action. From his infectious smile and generosity to his sincere listening and deep care, Shane joyfully embraced every moment as a gift and welcomed every person as a friend. A devoted husband, son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, leader, and friend, Shane will long be remembered by those he so dearly loved.
Growing up in Portage, Michigan, Shane enjoyed an active childhood. His mother was a nurse, and it was always important for Shane to ensure she was cared for. Along with his brother, Josh, and sister, Melissa, Shane attended Portage Public Schools and enjoyed hanging out at his grandparents’ house on Austin Lake. Many good memories were made swimming, tubing, and being in each other’s good company. Shane loved all sports, both watching and participating. He enjoyed playing basketball, football, and baseball, especially travel baseball for the Maroons.
As a teen, Shane attended Portage Central High School, where he played baseball, basketball and was a kicker and tight end on the football team. School didn’t always agree with Shane, and he was often “sick” on Mondays but he’d usually get there by noon on Tuesdays to be eligible to play football on Friday nights. Shane was an excellent right-handed pitcher, despite being legally blind in his left eye, and was drafted out of Gordon Junior College in Barnesville, Georgia. After signing baseballs for his instructors in hopes of passing grades, he spent a few years pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers Farm League before a torn rotator cuff forced his retirement.
Returning to Kalamazoo, Shane began his restaurant career at Bravo, where the work proved a natural fit. The restaurant’s owners, Terry and Shawn Hagen, mentored Shane about the food service industry. Following his time at Bravo, Shane continued to forge his legacy in the industry, contributing significantly to the success of many local restaurants including Kalamazoo’s University Roadhouse, The Moors, The Main Street Pubs, and the Beacon Club. He realized his dream of owning his own restaurant when he opened BOLD in Texas Corners in 2009.
While running food and beverage at The Moors, Shane met his future wife, Jeanna, who was studying interior design at Western Michigan University. Shane and Jeanna dated for fifteen years before Shane proposed. The happy couple married in Grand Rapids on November 5, 2016, and honeymooned in Italy. After exploring Rome and Florence, they returned home and settled into their life together.
Shane was the most loyal man anyone could ever meet. When he set his mind to something, he did it and never strayed from his commitments. In 2018, Shane opened Gusto, an Italian restaurant, after being inspired by his experiences in Italy. With a deep passion for creating memorable experiences for his teams and patrons, Shane constantly researched menus and critiqued meals when he went out. He loved going out to dinner and getting a good drink as well as the experience of exploring the entire menu. He was very particular about his food and possessed a vast knowledge of ingredients and a refined pallet.
His two passions were work and family with those two things blending seamlessly together. Shane would do anything to support and care for his people, family and BOLD family, alike. Shane’s “All good” attitude inspired people; everyone felt included, supported, and called to be their best versions when in his good company.
Shane loved golf and often traveled for the competition of a Pro-am. He was a Michigan State Spartans’ fan as well as a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan. His love for the Steelers began when he was gifted a Terry Bradshaw autographed football at the age of 12. His favorite drink was a perfect Manhattan using Four Roses Small Batch. Shane enjoyed relaxing at home with Jeanna, the love of his life, and his two rescue dogs.
Whether playing golf, enjoying a meal, or spending time with family, Shane lived life to the fullest. He relished the privilege of using his gifts and talents to serve his community and consciously nurture his relationships. In doing so, Shane proved a powerful role model for living a wholehearted life.
Though his days with us were far too few, every moment we shared with Shane is a gift we will forever hold dear. As we face a future in the absence of Shane’s steadfast confidence and companionship, may we find comfort in carrying his legacy. In each moment we welcome opportunities to learn and grow, give generously, encourage others to live their best lives, cherish time with loved ones, celebrate life’s everyday moments with a delicious meal, and lift our glasses with a joyful “Cheers!”
Please join us for a Life Story Celebration on Sunday, January 19, from 1- 4 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, (269) 375-2900, where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Celebrate Shane’s life online by sharing favorite stories and photos on his dedicated web page at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial donations may be directed to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue located in Portage (4669 Executive Drive Portage, MI. 49002)