Ted Dunham Shelly

Ted Dunham Shelly, 87, of Manchester, Ia, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Good Neighbor Home, in Manchester. In accordance with Ted’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private burial will take place at a later date at Oakland Cemetery in Manchester. Bohnenkamp-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Manchester is assisting the family.

Ted was born on May 25, 1939, in St. Louis, Mo, the son of Howard and Helen (Dunham) Shelly. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1957 and went on to obtain his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Iowa. He was active with Pi Kappa Alpha and the marching band, where he played the coronet. Ted served with the United States Navy from 1962 until 1965, as an Electronics Officer on the USS 834 Turner Destroyer based at Mayport Naval Base, Fl. On May 17, 1963, Ted married Nancy Showiak in Arlington, Va; two children were born to this union. Later, Ted graduated from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in Milwaukee, Wi. In 1966, he returned home to join his father Howard at Shelly Funeral Home in Manchester, which was a family-owned business for several generations.

In his younger years, Ted achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He was actively involved in the Manchester community through his involvement with the Rotary Club, Lions Club, Masons, and the Community Congregational Church. Ted was an intelligent man and who had the ability to fix almost anything. Ted was a lifelong ham radio operator, loved to garden, and had a true love for music. He enjoyed playing the coronet, guitar, piano, and the banjo, as well as sharing his musical talents through singing with bluegrass bands. For 30 years, Ted and Nancy traveled in their RV, attending bluegrass festivals and RV rallies, creating many wonderful memories and sharing their love of music and adventure along the way.

Ted is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nancy Shelly; daughter, Lori (Mick) Opat of Decorah, Ia; son-in-law, Dan Routhe of Big Lake, Mn; three grandchildren, Katlynn, Elisa, and Matthew; three great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Mary (James) Fuscaldo of Indianapolis In, and Dr. Tom (JoAnn) Shelly of Fort Dodge, Ia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Helen Shelly; and his daughter, Suzy Goodsell.