SHAHAN, Michael L. 1945-2013

SHAHAN

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 2/15/2013 at 16:45:06

Michael Lee Shahan

FERTILE, IOWA — Michael Lee Shahan, 67 of Fertile, died Monday, February 11, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City.

A Celebration of Life service for Michael will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 16, at Word of Faith Dominion Church, rural Lake Mills, with Pastors Steve Johnson and Doug Domokos officiating.

Military honors will be conducted by the North Star Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter No. 790 of Lake Mills, the Otto/Chose Post No. 235 of Lake Mills and the Northwood VFW Post No. 6779 of Northwood.

The family will greet friends from 12:30 until service time at the church on Saturday.

Michael Lee Shahan of Fertile, was born on February 20, 1945, in Hampton, Iowa, to Carrol and Irene (Brinkman) Shahan. Michael grew up in Clear Lake, Iowa, with two younger brothers Randy Shahan, Pat Shahan, and his younger sister Pam Shahan Wirtjes, and also a brother Tom from Montana.

Michael volunteered his services to the Navy during the Vietnam War and was proud of his service. During his younger years he enjoyed stock car racing, and ended up racing late models.

On February 24, 1973, Michael married the love of his life, Linda (Niles) Shahan in Albert Lea, Minn. They were celebrating 40 years of marriage this month. The couple was blessed with a son Brandon Lee Shahan, and later a daughter Alicia Nicole Shahan, and from a previous marriage Michael had a son Donny Shahan, and Kelly Shahan (Carew).

Michael loved his family very much and was a hard worker. He retired from Winnebago Industries after 32 years. He loved the outdoors. Michael was always working on something outdoors on the family acreage near Fertile. He taught both of his children how to hunt and fish, and was known for his night time camp fires with his family.

Michael will be remembered for his sweet and caring personality and sense of humor. His smile could always warm any room. He was strong in his faith and was baptized at Word of Faith Dominion Church. Michael loved his wife Linda, and they often called each other their best friends. They enjoyed traveling with one another. Hawaii and Mackinac Island were among some memorable trips for them. They also enjoyed taking hikes in the woods near their home. Mike would always carve a big heart with his and Linda’s initials on a big tree. He also loved his dogs Jaxs and Bentley who were his close companions.

Michael was also active in his Vietnam Color Guard Chapter 790. He offered many hours of volunteer service through his chapter and enjoyed helping other veterans. Mike would always go out of his way to thank a Vet for their service. Everyone in Michael’s life was touched by him. He also had several nieces and nephews who appreciated him. He was truly a great man, and will be missed beyond words.

Survivors include his wife, Linda of Fertile; children, Brandon (fiancée Sandra Bednarz) Shahan, Alicia (Mitch Horstman) Shahan, and Kelly Shahan Carew; and siblings Pat (Joy) Shahan, Pamela (Shahan) Wirtjes, and Tom (Robin) Shahan. He is also survived by the Niles family; father-in-law, Arthur E. Niles; brothers-in-law, Ed (Michelle) Niles, Chad Niles, Scott (Sherri) Niles, and Steve Niles; aunts, Shirley Brinkman, Marcene Hustad, and Ann Brinkman; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son Donny Shahan; brother Randy Shahan; mother-in-law, Barbara Niles; and three uncles, Russell Brinkman, Melvin Brinkman, and Louie Brinkman.

You can contact the family with online condolences at: www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com , 641-592-0221.