Fr. Martin Bernard Shallbetter

Reverend Martin Bernard Shallbetter (1942-2026)

Father Marty Shallbetter, age 84, of Hopkins, MN, entered eternal life on Saturday, May 16. A devoted servant of the Lord for 56 years, he was known for his compassionate pastoral care, steadfast faith, and profound dedication to the parishioners of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Born in Minneapolis in March of 1942, he was the son of Clarence and Susanna (Keller) Shallbetter. He attended St. Bridget's School ('56), DeLaSalle High School ('60), and St. John's University ('64) before he pursued his theological studies at the St. Paul Seminary and was ordained into the holy priesthood on May 24,1969 for the Archdiocese.

Father Marty faithfully ministered to several communities throughout his vocation, leaving a lasting legacy of faith, hope, and charity. His parish assignments included serving at: St. Margaret Mary in Golden Valley, St. Luke in St. Paul, Archdiocese's Vocations Office, Assumption in St. Paul, St. Anne in Minneapolis, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Clement in Minneapolis, St. Mary in Waverly, St. Edward in Bloomington, St. Therese in Deephaven, Church of the Ascension in Norwood Young America and St. Bernard in Cologne. Throughout his ministry, he was a pillar of support, guiding countless families through life's milestones, offering comfort in times of grief, and celebrating the sacraments.

Upon his retirement in 2012 he remained an active and vibrant presence in the community. His involvement for 50 years with Cursillo Twin Cities and the Catholic Alumni Club brought him great joy. He generously dedicated his time to assisting with local parishes, always exemplifying the heart of a true shepherd.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Susanna, and his brothers Clarence and Joseph. He is survived by his loving siblings Terri Hawkins of Rogers, John (Mary) of Port Charlotte, FL, and Alice (David) Holm of Little Canada, MN, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, a great-great nephew, extended family members, dear friends and his brother priests of the Archdiocese.

Funeral Services:

Visitation - May 26, 2026 from 5:00PM-7:00PM at Church of St. Edward, 9401 Nesbitt Ave. S, Bloomington, MN 55437

Mass of Christian Burial - May 27, 2026 also at St. Edward at 11:00AM, with visitation beginning at 10:00AM

Luncheon to immediately follow the Mass.

For those unable to attend the Funeral in person, there will be a livestream of the Funeral online, available at: https://stedwardschurch.org/funeralsediately follow

Interment will be at Gethsemane Cemetery in New Hope, with procession from St. Edward starting at 1:45PM

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in his name to the DeLaSalle Shallbetter Family Scholarship Fund or Banyan Community.