Shields, Donald G.

Donald G. Shields, 77, of Cresco, passed away Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Notre Dame Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Cresco, with a Scripture service to follow. Visitation will continue one hour before the service at the church.

Donald G. Shields was born Nov. 22, 1934, in Lime Springs, Iowa, to Edward E. and Margaret J. (Carstensen) Shields. Don grew up attending country school, and graduated from Notre Dame High School. After high school Don helped out on the family farm, eventually renting it from his parents.

He enjoyed reading, jigsaw puzzles, walking, and getting a bite to eat at Sue-Z-Q's.

Don was a very giving person; he spent many hours volunteering his time. He was a maintenance volunteer for Notre Dame Catholic Schools, volunteered at the hospital, and Meals On Wheels. Don was a faithful Knights of Columbus member for 52 years. Every summer he worked the Knights of Columbus booth during the Mighty Howard County Fair.

Don is survived by his sisters and brother, Marian Podrasky of Texas, Loretta Posekany of Belle Plaine, Edward J. Shields of Seattle, Wash., Karen (Bill) Volesky of Swisher and Barb (Jerry) Lentner of Marion; several nieces and nephews; and an aunt, Vivian Shields of Cresco, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew, Brian Volesky; and a niece, Skylar Inman.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to St. Mary's ICU and the Iowa Law Enforcement.

A Donald Shields Memorial Fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at

Published Dec. 11, 2011, in The Gazette