Shawn Flatebo

Shawn Marie Flatebo was born on March 10, 1987 to Craig Flatebo and Cheryl (Beseke) Flatebo in Mesa, Arizona. Shawn was driven from the very day she was born. Once she set her mind on something, there was nothing that could stop her. She always looked up to her big sister, Christina, and carried that admiration with her throughout her life. From a young age, she was involved in many sports and band activities, always putting her heart into everything she did. As she grew older and entered the workforce, she naturally gravitated toward roles that allowed her to care for others, a reflection of the compassion and kindness that defined her life. She loved anything outdoors, including swimming, camping and playing volleyball. Shawn graduated from Jackson County Central High in Jackson, Minnesota in 2005. Following graduation, she furthered her education at Minnesota West Community & Technical College in Jackson and received an associates degree for medical assistant. Becoming a mother was one of the greatest blessings in Shawn’s life. She worked tirelessly to be the best mom she could be for her son, Laramie. Through him, she discovered the true meaning of unconditional love. Her love for him was deep, unwavering, and at the center of everything she did. Shawn was also one of the very best aunties to her niece and nephew, Axell and Letti. She loved them deeply and cherished the time she spent with them. She always made sure to bring the best candy, along with fun bubbles and water balloons, making every visit feel like a little celebration. Whether it was sharing laughs, playing outside, or simply being present in their lives, Shawn made sure they always knew how loved they were. On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Shawn died at her home in Canton, South Dakota at the age of 39 years and 1 day.

Shawn was a true free spirit who found joy in the beauty of the outdoors. She loved spending time in the sunshine, floating down the river, or pulling over on the side of the road just to admire wildflowers. She had a special passion for flowers and loved gardening, growing beautiful blooms, and creating stunning arrangements. One of Shawn’s greatest passions was her artwork through wood burning, especially fractal burning. She poured her creativity and heart into every piece she made, finding joy in turning simple pieces of wood into something beautiful and unique. Shawn loved camping—real camping in a tent under the open sky. She appreciated the simple and peaceful moments in nature, whether it was watching an amazing sunset or welcoming the quiet beauty of a sunrise. Her dog, Rowdy, was also a special companion in her life. Shawn loved taking Rowdy along on her adventures, whether it was camping, going for long walks, or hiking outdoors. He was always by her side and shared in many of the moments she loved most. Her laugh was unforgettable—warm, genuine, and able to light up a room. It was one of the many things people loved most about her. Shawn was also incredibly hardworking. Shawn will be remembered for her strength, her laughter, her love of nature, and most of all for the deep love she had for her son and family. Though her time here was far too short, the love she gave—especially to Laramie—will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew her.

Shawn is remembered by her son, Laramie Phillip Brenk; parents, Phillip and Cheryl Atwell of Ihlen, Minnesota; siblings, Christina (Tyler) Hughes of Pipestone, Minnesota, Katrina Atwell of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and nephew and niece, Axell and Letti Mae Hughes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Shawn's son, Laramie, for his higher learning fund at First Bank and Trust in Pipestone.