Hayden Christopher Shelton, 2, Green Bay, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025. He was born September 11, 2022, in Green Bay to Carl Shelton and Tanya (Dring) Shelton.

Hayden was born a very special little boy with a very serious illness and went through more in his short life than most people will ever have to face. Hayden spent the first 34 days of his life in the NICUs at Children's Hospital in Milwaukee and St. Vincent's in Green Bay where countless tests including multiple EEGs were done.

Despite his devastating diagnosis he was a happy boy who loved lights, water, music, and sleeping. Hayden was soothed by splashing water during bathtime and was always willing to cuddle or give an amazing hug. Hayden was the best big brother who snuggled his little sister, Lily, and was willing to wear matching outfits. He loved Christmas lights, music and mom and dad's voices. He was mom and dad's best Christmas gift, all their moments spent together were special and they felt so lucky to be able to make so many happy memories. He was a fighter and the strongest kid his mom, dad, and everyone knew. Hayden was loved by everyone who knew him. Hayden's grandmother was his primary caretaker allowing mom and dad to continue working. Nanna and Hayden had a special bond, he was her world, and she was his. A boy of few words he gave the best hugs and made the silliest noises. In two years, he collected an extensive amount of sports apparel that rivaled collections of older fans. Hayden loved all sports and was always dressed to cheer on his favorite teams, the Packers, Brewers, Cubs, and UW-Badgers, even amongst the in-home rivalry. He enjoyed attending games, going to Disney on Ice, traveling across the Midwest, and visiting Vegas.

He is survived by his parents, Carl and Tanya; sister, Lily; maternal grandparents, Teri Mullen and Thomas Dring; paternal grandparents, Venice Kucera and Carl (Lisa) Shelton; step-grandpa, John Ciurro; great-grandparents, Steve Pfieler, Sandy Evans, Joseph (Mary Lou) Mullen, Jackie Kucera; aunts and uncles, Tony (Heather) Dring, Trent Dring, Tommy (A.J.) Dring, Travis (Christy) Dring, Sarah (Joey) Axtell, Melissa Shelton, Christina Ciurro, Johnny Ciurro; extended family, cousins, and friends.

Hayden was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Thomas Dring, Robert Kucera, Arthur and Dorothy Shelton.

Friends and family will gather at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 23; Memorial Service to follow at 1:30 p.m. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

A special thank you to the many medical professionals that aided us to have the time that we did with Hayden. Thank you to Unity Hospice for always being there.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Hayden may be made to benefit the CP Center, 2801 S. Webster Ave. Green Bay, WI 54301 or online at https://www.wearecp.org/ways-to-help/donate/