Machelle "Shelly" Ann (Howard) Wiltse

Machelle Ann “Shelly” Wiltse (Howard), 58, of Ball Club, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, September 10, at her home, with her beloved dog Loki by her side.

Shelly was born October 4, 1966, in Inglewood, California, to Kenneth “Poonty” Howard and Bonnie (Smedberg) Carlson. She spent most of her life in the Cass Lake area, always close to friends and family.

She married Harold “Tex” Kolkin Jr., and together they raised two sons, Kristopher and Dustin, whom she loved deeply and was endlessly proud of. Shelly often said she raised them “the best that she knew how,” and she took joy in seeing the men they became. Later in life, she fully embraced her role as “Grandma,” delighting in giving hugs and kisses, playing outdoors, sharing her love of nature, and offering parenting advice whenever it was needed.

Known for her fiery spirit and unfiltered honesty, Shelly never left anyone guessing what she was thinking. Her strength, love, and authenticity touched all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

Shelly is survived by her sons, Kristopher (Tara) Kolkin and Dustin (Rayne) Kolkin, both of Bemidji; her sister, Stefanie Howard of Hibbing; and her cherished grandchildren, Carliyah, Liberty, Kace, and Kash.

She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Howard; her mother, Bonnie Carlson; and her stepfather, Ron Smedberg.

A private family ceremony will be held, and Shelly will be laid to rest beside her father at Prince of Peace Cemetery.

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