William ‘Bill’ Donald Shay
SHAY, KONVALINKA, QUINLAN, ADAMS
Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 12/23/2020 at 11:36:30
William ‘Bill’ Donald Shay, devoted father and loving grandfather, 94, went to his eternal rest Thursday, December 10, 2020, at UIHC following an acute illness (non-COVID related) while surrounded by his children.
A private family viewing will be Sunday, December 13 at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service followed by a private family burial at St. Joseph Cemetery on Monday, December 14.
Bill was born October 14, 1926, in Iowa City, Iowa to Rose Clara (Konvalinka) and William Thomas Shay. Bill graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1943 and attended the University of Iowa. In 1946, Bill met the love of his life, Mary Catherine ‘Bobbie’ Quinlan, whom he married on February 7, 1948, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clinton, Iowa. Employed with Hometown Dairies from 1952 until his retirement in 1988, Bill took pride in being the local trusted milkman, delivering fresh products to the doorstep and enjoying daily conversations with his valued customers and friends along his route. Bill was a Knights of Columbus honorary life member. In his free time, Bill enjoyed working at Wagner Pontiac, Harry’s DX, Don’s Honda, and Don’s Bicycle Shop.
Bill enjoyed antique air shows, building models, and found joy traveling cross-country in his Winnebago. He was a loyal Cubs and Hawkeye fan, who always had the game on when you stopped to visit. He was an avid reader and crossword extraordinaire. His depth of knowledge allowed him to engage in detailed conversation about almost any topic. Bill’s first love was for his family. Bill, along with Bobbie, always made his children and grandchildren his top priority and was never too busy to join them in whatever was the activity of the day. His wisdom and life advice were treasured gifts, as was his comforting presence. Spending time with Bill was always a highlight of trips home to Iowa City. He was a patient, gentle, and humble man, who lived his life as a witness of God’s love and devotion for his family. Even in his final hours, he recalled cherished memories and was able to say “I love you, now don’t you worry about me.” All who loved Bill will dearly miss him. Although he was blessed with a full life, our time with him will never feel like it was enough.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Bobbie; his parents; brothers Clement, Cletus and LaVerne ‘Squeek’; sisters Evelyn Robison and Elizabeth ‘Mickey’ Tray; one grandchild; and three great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his ten children Michael (Linda), Kevin (Kristin), Daniel (Terri), Edwin, Richard, Beth, Sheila, Patrick (Julie), Maureen Adams, and Colleen (Jeni); thirty-one grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Ruth Quinlan; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Legacy Point and the staff of UIHC Emergency Room. In lieu of flowers, condolences and monetary contributions may be sent to The Shay Family, 450 Carlyle Dr. North Liberty, IA, 52317. Monetary donations will be directed to front line health care workers.
Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
Johnson Obituaries maintained by Cindy Booth Maher.
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