Former State Rep. Joel Sheltrown grew up in West Branch in Ogemaw County, where he participated in 4-H woodworking programs. He later attended Western Michigan University, leaving without graduating to enlist in the U.S. Navy. He served two tours in Vietnam, from 1966 until 1970, becoming a petty officer second class as a communications technician with a top-secret crypto clearance. After leaving the Navy with an honorable discharge, Sheltrown returned to his hometown of West Branch and took over management of his father’s John Deere dealership. In 1978, he bought a propane dealership.
Sheltrown served as an Ogemaw Township trustee from 1978 to 1988 and as Ogemaw Township supervisor from 2000 to 2004. In 2004, Sheltrown was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, serving the 103rd House District until 2010. While in office, he was passionate about creating jobs in his district, supporting hunters’ rights and responsible gun ownership, and focusing on alternative energy and high-speed technology. He founded the Autocycle Alliance and is vice president of Governmental Affairs for Elio Motors, Kapeesh Inc., and the Autocycle Alliance.
Sheltrown is a member of many organizations, including Democrats for Life, the Higgins Lake Civic Association, Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Retailers Association, Missaukee Conservation Club, National Rifle Association, Ogemaw County Relay for Life, Pheasants Forever, Save Our Shoreline, Small Business Association of Michigan, Veterans of Foreign War Post 3775, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Whitetails Unlimited.
Sheltrown currently serves as a board member for the national organization, Democrats for Life of America, and has formerly served as vice president of the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners and president of Northeast Michigan Future Inc., a nonprofit economic development advocacy organization. A well-known saxophone player, he often plays his saxophone at community service events, schools, fairs, and area festivals, and is member of the Calvary Baptist Church Music Ministry and the Crossing Jordan Quartet.
Sheltrown has been honored with the Sahara Club International Award and the AgriBusiness Legislator of the Year Award.
