Eugene Shea
October 21, 1942 to January 23, 2019
Eugene L. Shea, 76, of Waverly, Iowa, passed away January 23, 2019, at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly from multiple myeloma.
Gene was born 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 Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Gene worked for Volga Creamery, Maquoketa Valley Creamery in Arlington, and then Carnation in Waverly 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 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) Pohast of Waverly; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, 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; four sisters-in-law; and one brother-in-law.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, January 28, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Waverly, with the Rev. David Ambrosy officiating. Burial was at Harlington Cemetery Waverly.
