James “Sheldon” Trandem, 89

Erskine – James “Sheldon” Trandem, age 89, of Erskine, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile. Sheldon was born on August 9, 1935, to Ragnild and Elmer Trandem in his grandparents’ home in Woodside Township. He was baptized and confirmed at Rodnes Lutheran Church near Erskine. All of Sheldon’s education was in Mentor. Sheldon met his future wife, Rita Solberg, after a basketball game at the Ness Café. Sheldon offered to drive her home. Rita was unsure about the offer and called her parents to see if Sheldon could give her a ride home. Her father said yes, and the rest was history. Sheldon served in the National Guard and was a long-time member of the American Legion. Following high school, Sheldon moved to Crookston, and worked as a carpenter for Eickhof’s, then worked many years for Montana Dakota Utilities and Great Plains Natural Gas in Crookston.
He married Rita on September 5, 1959, in a double wedding with Rita’s sister Joan “Patsy” and David Vick at Grace Lutheran Church in Erskine. Rita and Sheldon enjoyed 63 years of marriage, and were blessed with two children, Sheri and Scott.
Sheldon and Rita loved to travel and enjoyed many trips to countries all across Europe. In his spare time, Sheldon enjoyed playing cards and games with Rita and their friends, playing golf in Erskine and Crookston, and volunteering for the Erskine Meal Site, delivering hundreds of meals to Erskine and Mentor. When Sheldon retired, Rita designed their dream home located near the Solberg farm on Union Lake where Rita grew up. Rita’s brother, Bruce, built their home in 2000. Sheldon led an active life in retirement. Sheldon and Rita planned outings every day.
Sheldon was the best father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. Sheldon was blessed with great-grandchildren, Charlie James Altepeter, born July 11, 2022, and Eleanor Rita Altepeter, born June 3, 2024.
Sheldon is survived by daughter, Sheri (Phil) Altepeter; son, Scott (Cathy) Trandem; grandchildren, Tyler (Nicole) Altepeter, Justin (Sami) Altepeter, Joshua Altepeter, Danelle (Emanuel) Trandem, Amanda (Izaac) Trandem, and Luke (Lydia) Trandem; great-grandchildren, Charlie James Altepeter, and Eleanor Rita Altepeter; brothers-in-law, Bruce Solberg and Lanny Martin; sister-in-law, Joan “Patsy” Vick; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita; parents, Ragnild and Elmer Trandem; sister, Janice Geiger; and brother, Robert Trandem.
Sheldon’s family would like to thank his Union Lake neighbors (Ginny and Mike, Leanne and Andy, Lisa, Mark and Laureen), Fair Meadow caregivers and Essentia Hospice.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Rodnes Lutheran Church, rural Erskine, with the Rev. Andrew Virkus officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Erskine and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.
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