Dennis Shaw

Dennis William Shaw entered this world on August 16, 1942, born to Florian Shaw and Helen Rheaume Shaw in St. Peter, Minnesota. He took the hand of Jesus and left to be with his family and friends in heaven on April 24, 2022. He was raised by his mother in Litchfield, Minnesota along with his 3 brothers, Mike, Terry and Pat. Dennis lived a full, happy and productive life always dedicated to loving his family and cultivating friendships that lasted his lifetime. Dennis enlisted in the Marine Corps right out of high school. He was very proud to serve as an airborne radio operator on a C130 which flew in and out of Vietnam. Following discharge he was married to Donita Price and they had a daughter, Kathleen. He began working in Chicago and attending Northwestern University at night where he graduated with a major in Transportation and a minor in World Trade. That led to working for the Canadian Pacific Railroad, the Union Pacific Railroad and then Avon Products out of Morton Grove, Illinois. He was promoted to Division Sales Manager and completed 20 years with that company. Dennis had many interests and hobbies. Music was a love from the time he organized his own teenage band in high school until he jammed regularly with his retired friends and played on the church praise team in Kalispell, Montana. He also wrote and sang his own songs. He was a longtime Amateur Radio Operator communicating with operators all over the globe. Hunting pheasants with his beloved Vizsla, Gypsy, gave him much joy as well as fly fishing with his longtime friend, Tod, in Montana. Dennis realized his dream of living in Montana in 1988 when he purchased his log cabin on an acreage outside of Kalispell. He was joined in marriage to Shirley Smith in 1989 and soon after courageously began a new career as owner and manager of an existing automotive business which he ran for 12 years. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Donita, his stepfather, Floyd Young, 2 half sisters, Elaine Shaw and Janice Williams; a step sister, Julie Mies; 2 stepbrothers, Duane Young and Gary Young. He is survived by his devoted, loving wife, Shirley; daughter, Kathy (Andy) Chiero; Stepsons Todd Smith and Troy (Kari) Smith. His brothers Mike (Karen) Shaw; Terry (Lois) Shaw; Pat (Nancy) Shaw. Seven grandchildren: Jacob Parker, Elizabeth Smith, Caitlin Jacobs, Bethany Chiero, Hannah Chiero, Emily Moore, Nathan Smith. And great grandson, Brooks Moore. Plus half siblings, Gloria Kuschel , Gary Shaw, Mona Borresch and Dale Shaw; Step siblings, Larry Young and Floyd Young Jr. Although comforted knowing Dennis is free of suffering and in the presence of our Lord and Savior, he leaves a big void in our hearts and his memory will forever be held tenderly in love until we meet again. We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the caring staff in Ulery 3 at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown for living out their motto “Our residents do not live in our workplace, we work in their home”. Your loving care was truly top notch and we thank you! Dennis will be laid to rest following a committal service on Monday, May 2 at 12:30 p.m. at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa. A celebration of life will take place immediately following the committal service at the Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Department of Veterans Affairs or Disabled American Veterans. For additional questions or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements for Dennis and his family. Ph. 641-844-1234. - Lovingly written by the family