Eugene L. Shea, 76, of Waverly, Iowa, passed away early Wednesday morning, January 23, 2019, at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly from Multiple Myeloma.
Gene was born on October 21, 1942, in Volga, Iowa, the son of Cornelia (Srstka) and James Shea. He was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Volga and graduated from Volga High School in 1960. On August 19, 1961, Gene was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Smith at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Gene worked for Volga Creamery, Maquoketa Valley Creamery in Arlington, and then Carnation in Waverly from 1966 until his retirement in 1998. Gene was also the former owner and operator of Waverly Cycle and Supply, an Indian Motorcycle Dealership.
Gene was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Waverly. He was a very adventurous man. He piloted his own private airplane and enjoyed many flights with his family and friends. He was also an avid collector of antique tractors and gas engines. He also loved old cars. Gene enjoyed spending winters in Arizona with his wife, Mary where they had many adventures four wheeling in the desert and mountains.
Gene is survived by his wife of over 57 years, Mary; three children, Christine (Dean) Robbins of Clarksville, Rick (Veronica) Shea of Waverly and Brenda (Shane) Pothast of Waverly; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Pat Shea of Volga and Joan (Bob) Kauten of Cedar Rapids; one brother-in-law, Leland (Roberta) Smith of Arlington; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter; one great-granddaughter; four brothers, Jim, Bud, Bill and Dan; one sister, Mary Lou McTaggart; three sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 28, 2019, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Waverly with Fr. David Ambrosy officiating. Burial will follow at Harlington Cemetery, Waverly. Visitation will be on Sunday, January 27, 2019 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly, and also one hour prior to the service on Monday, at the church. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation, and online condolences may be left at www.kaisercorson.com.
Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly is assisting the family. 319-352-1187
Kaiser Corson has a highly dedicated, professional staff to provide unconditional service before, during, and after the immediate need. Kaiser-Corson offers at-need services including complete funeral services, cremation services, immediate burial services, body donation, transfer and receiving services, and a full line of funeral related merchandise. Serving the communities of Waverly, Shell Rock, Denver, Readlyn, and surrounding areas.