Frederick Lee Shelton, 94, of Swisher, the longtime owner of Shelton’s Grocery, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the West Ridge Care Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Fred was born on January 22, 1932, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The son of Ralph Lavern and Bessie (Neckwinder) Shelton. Fred’s father passed away in 1936. In 1939, Bessie married Clarence Poula, who lovingly helped raise Fred in Swisher. After graduating from Cedar Rapids Roosevelt High School in 1950, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in Seattle and Hawaii. After his return, Fred married the love of his life Evelyn Marie Herman on June 29, 1955, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. Fred worked in construction and at Wilson & Company in Cedar Rapids. Fred and Evelyn opened Shelton’s Grocery in 1969. In his free time, Fred enjoyed deer and duck hunting with friends, fishing with his sons, and taking trips to Colorado with family and trips to Las Vegas. One of his favorite pastimes was sitting out in front of the store on the bench talking with people. He also liked watching Westerns on television such as Bonanza and Gun Smoke.

Fred loved working in the grocery store where he made many lifelong friends and was well- known for making his special sandwiches. Fred was proud to be a member of the Swisher American Legion, serving as Commander for two terms and was the Grand Marshall of the Swisher Fun Days Parade in 2024.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Evelyn; their children Eric (Kerry) Shelton, Jaime Shelton, Julie (Dennis Kiedyk), Brett Shelton, and Tim (Wendy) Shelton; his 7 grandchildren, Amber, Andrea, Maria, Stephanie, Thomas, Natalie, and Cale; great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Joyce Henkes; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Bessie; “stepfather” Clarence Poula, and parents-in-law, Ed and Mary Herman, sisters Charolette Shelton and Barbara Kolsto and brother-in-laws; Wayne Kolsto, and Larry Henkes, daughter-in-law, Teresa Shelton; and neice Carol Williams.

Fred will be deeply missed and will leave behind a legacy of community. Friends may visit the family from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Brosh Chapel in the Avacentre, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW, Cedar Rapids. Services will at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Brosh Chapel, followed by burial in Anderson Cemetery in Swisher, Iowa where military rites will be conducted.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 8, at the Swisher American Legion. Everyone is welcome.

Memorials may be directed to the American Legion in Fred’s name.