Shehan, John P (1940-2017)

SHEHAN, MORRISON, JORGENSEN, EASTIN, HALVERSON, STILES

Posted By: Colleen J Ossman (email)
Date: 3/23/2017 at 20:28:55

Foust Funeral Home, Eagle Grove, Iowa
Mar 13, 2017

John Patrick Shehan, 76 of Eagle Grove, Iowa, died on Wednesday, March 8, at the Trinity Regional Medical Center, in Ft. Dodge, Iowa. The family will receive friends and relatives on Sunday March 12th from 2-5 PM at Foust Funeral Home in Eagle Grove. Funeral service will be held Monday March 13th at 10:00 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eagle Grove. Foust Funeral Home (www.foustfh.com) is caring for the family.

John was born on November 18, 1940, to John and Louise (Morrison) Shehan at their home in Albia, Iowa. He attended school in Albia , where he stood out for his track performances, was Homecoming King, and graduated in 1959. He attended Iowa State Teachers College earning his BA in 1964 then furthering his education by earning his Master in Education from Mankato State. John was united in marriage to the love of his life, Manda "Sue"Jorgensen, on January 15th 1966, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. John was a devoted husband, cherishing and truly appreciative of all that Sue did for him through the years. They loved and supported each other every day of their lives.

He taught school at St. Edmond Catholic School in Fort Dodge before moving to Eagle Grove to teach at the middle school. He then taught anatomy, physiology, nutrition, biology, zoology, and other health related classes at Iowa Central Community College until his retirement in 1997. One of his most cherished claims to fame is teaching countless nurses over his career. It was a true delight to have them care for him over the course of his life.

John was very involved in sports early in his career. This included traveling the state refereeing football, coaching basketball and even cheerleading. He loved supporting the wrestling program for Iowa Central Community College and enjoyed scouting future talent for them . He also was the voice of the Eagle Grove Invitational Wrestling Tournament, announcing them for over 40 years. He was also was the "starter" for numerous EG track and cross country events.

He loved attending anything and everything that his children were involved in. Showing pigs at the fair, 4-H, plays, musicals, and countless sporting events. He was always the "go to " dad to step up and coach a team. He tirelessly would volunteer his time for his family.

Once their children were grown, he and Sue turned a new chapter in life and began to enjoy grandkids!! They insisted on having Sean over a night each weekend, it was always a party at Grandmas and Grandpas. (Confetti and horns not uncommon) As the years went on he was able to enjoy a close relationship with all seven of his grandchildren. John and Sue loved attending ball games and then hearing the "replays" from the kids after the games were done. He always called to support and congratulate them, win or lose.

In addition to athletics, John enjoyed hunting, fishing, and all outdoor activities. He was active in Ducks Unlimited and took great pride in organizing it's events. Anytime he got the chance to put a pole in the water or load his shotgun, he took the opportunity. So many of his memories will always be with Pat and the hunts they have taken together. He will undoubtedly enjoy watching them all from Heaven carry on this tradition.

It goes without saying that a stand out event of his life (and Sue's) was seeing the Chicago Cubs win the world series!!!! He flew the "W" flag with pride.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he served as a lector and on the social concerns council. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, a member and President of the Eagle Grove School board from 1986-1993. John loved his Irish heritage, and was a true Irishman.

John's family includes his wife of 51 years Sue; three daughters: Kathy (Dennis) Eastin of Ankeny, IA, Erin (Terry) Halverson of Eagle Grove, Iowa and Dr. Kelli ( Dr. Lanny) Stiles of Palmyra, MO; one son: Patrick (Tabitha) Shehan of Eagle Grove, Iowa; seven grandchildren: Cale and Joel Eastin, Sean and NickHalverson, Grace Stiles, John Patrick "J.P." and Julia Shehan; four brothers: Dr. James (Mary Ann) Shehan, Tim (Diana) Shehan, Tom Shehan and DanShehan. He was preceded in death by his parents.

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