Sheldon Dale Joppru

Joppru, Sheldon Dale, aged 72 passed away peacefully in his home on October 28, 2023. He was born on August 16, 1951 in Thief River Falls, MN to Arthur and Evelyn Joppru. Sheldon was an outstanding athlete and was named all-conference and All-State in both football and basketball. Because of these accomplishments, he was later inducted into the Lincoln High School (Thief River Falls,MN) Hall of Fame in 1997.

Sheldon would continue his athletic career at the University of North Dakota where he was on scholarship starting at tight end for four years. After college he played professionally in the World Football League for the Detroit Wheels and the Shreveport Steamers.

He was in the car business for 40+ years including owning a few of his own dealerships, Sheldon Joppru Motors and Smithtown Motors.

Sheldon met Kay (Thoeny) in Grand Forks, ND after she was dared to go talk to him at a party while attending the University of North Dakota. They were married on May 17, 1974.

They had 3 sons that he was very proud of. It would be very hard to find Sheldon not wearing some sort of hat or clothing representing one of the football team’s they played for.

Sheldon had 6 grandchildren. They brought out a smile that no one else could and he cherished all of his time with them.

Sheldon will always be known for his ability to talk to anyone about anything (even when he shouldn’t). We will forever remember him shouting “PUPPAY” and calling everyone “pups”. The energy he brought to our family and everyone around him will be dearly missed.

Sheldon was preceded in death by his father, Arthur; mother, Eveyln; sisters, Louella and Arlene. He is survived by his wife, Kay; sons, JJ (Mandy), Bennie (Jessica), Chris (Jessica); grandchildren, James, Jordyn, Joey (JJ) and Arthur, Walter “poof”, Hazel (Chris).

Services will be held on November 3, 2023 at 11 am , visitation beginning around 10, at David Lee Funeral Home, 1220 Wayzata Blvd East, Wayzata. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Heart Association at heart.org

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