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Joe Shields
JOE ALLEN SHIELDS
Mechanicsville
Joe Allen Shields, 68, of Mechanicsville, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. Friends and family may gather from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Fry Funeral Home, Tipton, for a time of visitation. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, also at Fry's, with interment to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mechanicsville. All friends and family are invited to gather at Bubba's immediately following the interment. A memorial fund in Joe's honor has been established. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.
Joe was born March 11, 1948, in Spencer, Iowa, to Claron and Beulah (Bigger) Shields. He attended Millford School. Joe proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1970, ranking as SGT, earning several medals and badges. On July 17, 1982, in Stanwood, Iowa, Joe married the love of his life, the late Christy Shields. They made their home in Mechanicsville, where they have raised their four children, Jack, Jodi, Erin and Matt. During Joe's employment years, he held several different positions before retiring from Dave Schmitt Construction, where he was a truck driver.
Joe was a devoted NASCAR fan, No. 3 and No. 88 being his drivers. He enjoyed spending time with his friends at Bubba's "socializing." The highlight of his life was undoubtedly his grandchildren. Joe was a member of Lutheran Church, Stanwood, Mechanicsville American Legion Post No. 309.
Surviving Joe are his children, Jack (Sue) Shields of Blaine, Minn., Jodi (Travis) Galloway of Mechanicsville, Erin (Nick Lange) Shields of Clarence and Matt (Kristian Thurston) Shields of Mechanicsville; sister, Shirley Holle of Spencer; brothers, Jim Shields of Colorado and Jerry (Gai) Shields of Johnston; grandchildren, Katie (Austin Knake), Kaleb, Kassidie Galloway, Sara, Julia, Jace, Jackson, Addison, Trevin Shields, Micah McDowell and Hannah and Maci O'Rourke; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Jack Shields; and sister, Sharon Peterson.
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