Shaina (Neurauter) Odermann, 37, Valley City, ND, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2020 in Sanford Health Fargo.Visitation will be held Thursday, August 13, 2020 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a time to share at 7:00 pm at Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be 1:30 pm, Friday, August 14 at Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Sauk Centre, MN.
Shaina Leigh Neurauter was born on October 1, 1982 in Fargo, ND, the daughter of Joe and Laurel (Howe) Neurauter. Shaina quickly received the nickname “Rodent” from her dad because she was as cute as their pet squirrel, Peak. That nickname followed her throughout her whole life. Shaina was baptized and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Valley City, ND. She attended school in Valley City and finished her senior year in Sauk Centre, MN. While in Sauk Center, Shaina worked at the family owned/operated DMV with her grandmother, Sharon Howe. Shaina also worked as a bartender at Hennington’s and as a cook at the Palmer House, where she developed and maintained a friendship with owner, Kelley Freese. Shaina moved back to Valley City and worked in food service at Pizza Hut, Budget Burger, and Kenny’s. She also worked as a CNA at Sheyenne Care Center and loved working with individuals in the Cottage (Alzheimer’s Unit). Shaina later moved to Fargo where she worked in the medical field as a CNA, phlebotomist, and as a supply coordinator. Shaina continued her higher education at Rasmussen Business College in Moorhead, MN.
Shaina began her battle with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at the young age of 10. This did not stop Shaina from living life to its fullest. Shaina loved adventure and pushing the limits of societal norms. This was evident when she and her best friend, Thalia, joined the boy’s football team in the 8th grade. These girls were the first, and only, girls to ever join the boys’ football team in the history of Valley City High School. Shaina also had a love of other sports and participated in softball, volleyball, and was a complete natural in gymnastics. Her parents loved watching her long legs flip through the air during one of her many floor routines. Shaina loved going to her T1D camp (camp Sioux) and developed lifelong friendships with other youth with T1D.
Shaina was married while living in Fargo and from that union was blessed with a beautiful step-daughter, Alexis (Odermann) Burchill. Shaina enjoyed watching Alexis grow into a strong, intelligent, and talented young lady and was proud of all Alexis has accomplished. Shaina was very much looking forward to Alexis’s wedding reception scheduled for 8/15/2020.
Some of Shaina’s favorite times over the past few years were spent traveling with her best friend, Corrina. The two were able to take trips to Colorado, Chicago, and Florida where Shaina was able to see the ocean. She was additionally able to travel to Michigan to spend time with a fellow CKD friend whom she met on an online support group. Shaina also had a fierce love for her family and her animals. The best day in Shaina’s life was the birth of her niece, Hanna. Shaina loved spending time with Hanna and her nephews, Shawn and Mason. She passionately loved her rescue rabbit, Bunn; her bird, Ringo; and her cats Willy, Meanie, Oden, and Sergio.
In 2012, Shaina developed Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and began life on dialysis. Shaina hated every moment of dialysis and kept on going while staying focused on her end goal of getting a kidney/pancreas transplant. There were many times Shaina wanted to throw in the towel but she remained strong and fought hard, not wanting to let others down or have people think she gave up. Remaining constantly by her side during the never-ending appointments, surgeries, rounds of testing for transplant, and every healthcare crisis (and let’s face it…there were many), were Shaina’s parents Laurel, Joe, and Lisa. When Shaina was in a coma and extended hospital stay for over four months, all three of Shaina’s parents remained by her side and spent days and nights with Shaina in her room to be her voice when she was not able to speak for herself. Quality of life for Shaina looked pretty grim. Doctors predicted that Shaina would never walk, talk, or eat again. For anyone that knows Shaina, food is one of her favorite things in the world and she most certainly was not going to have this doctor predict her future. Shaina sent a message to her mom that said “I want to do things one more time. Things I took for granted. I want one more summer, one more taco, one more trip, one more Christmas, one more car ride, one more walk, one more bath, one more pedicure, to pet and hold the animals, to feel like the kids love me, one more walk to feel the sun, the wind, and the rain again.” We are heartbroken that Shaina is no longer with us but grateful she was able to experience every item on her wish list.
Shaina’s final hospitalization began on Wednesday, August 5, 2020. At that time, Shaina’s healthcare wishes were honored by her family and medical team and she was placed on comfort care at Sanford. These final days allowed Shaina the opportunity to have visits with the many family and friends that she so loved. Shaina passed away peacefully on August 8, 2020 while surrounded by all of her loving and dedicated parents. She will be missed dearly.
Shaina leaves behind her mother, Laurel (Howe) Neurauter; father and step-mother, Joe and Lisa (Bayley) Neurauter; sister, Amber Neurauter (Craig Neussendorfer); niece, Hanna Neurauter; nephews: Shawn and Mason Neussendorfer; step-daughter, Alexis (Odermann) Burchill; beloved pets, Sergio, Oden, Ringo; aunts and uncles, Kathy Gruber, Fargo, Ed “Bink” (Carolyn) Gruber, San Antonio, Dave (Vallie) Gruber, Albuquerque, Michele (Bob) Green, Valley City, Patty (Leland) Miller, Fargo, Jana (Dan) Beck, Woodbury, Sheryl (Mark) Rafferty, Lino Lakes, Jared (Erin) Howe, Sauk Centre and Lyle (Jill) Bayley, Nampa; step-grandmother, Pat Bayley, Valley City; along with numerous cousins, extended family, and friends.
Shaina was preceded in death by her angel baby; fur babies, Bunn, Willy, and Meanie; grandparents; Harry (Eva) Neurauter, Loren (Sharon) Howe, and Roger Bayley; uncles, Bill Gruber and Michael Neurauter.
Honorary Pallbearers; Tessa Nicoli, Sarah Dantes, Sara Faul, Corrina Stugelmeyer Weninger, Alise Volk, Brett Volk, Mark Landis, Doug Kiefert, Brett Lloyd, Gary Leslie, and Kevin Klein. Also included; members of “Support for Shaina” and online support groups for T1D and CKD.
Due to long-term illnesses with type 1 Diabetes and End Stage Renal Failure, memorials will be used for final expenses. Condolences can be sent to:
Joe/Lisa Neurauter Laurel Neurauter
470 7th Ave. NE 506 2nd Ave.
Valley City, ND 58072 Kathryn, ND 58049
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 13, 2020 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a time to share at 7:00 pm at Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be 1:30 pm, Friday, August 14 at Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Sauk Centre, MN. COVID-19 social distancing guidelines will be enforced with masks strongly encouraged. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City. An online guestbook is available at www.oliver-nathanchapel.com