Michael Alan Shaw

Michael "Mike" Alan Shaw, a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and uncle, went to his heavenly home on Monday, May 16th, 2022. His family surrounded him at the time of his transition in Waterloo, Iowa. He was 73.

Mike was born on February 14th, 1949 to Doris (Griffiths) Norton and John Shaw in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up in Denver, Colorado, and lived in many different places, including the Quad Cities area and Bakersfield, California. He traveled around the world and made friends wherever he went. He also indulged in cultural cuisines and was willing to try anything once.

He was a hard worker and a motivated trainer, and held many positions for the John Deere Company from June 1972 to the time of his death. He had many accomplishments during his career, from writing technical manuals to creating training programs. In June, he would have celebrated 50 years of being affiliated with the John Deere Company. He received many awards for his excellent work with the company.

Mike was caring, loving, sarcastic, sentimental, and accepting. His witty sense of humor was one of the best things about him. He was someone that everyone could count on for solid, honest advice and a listening ear. He was never judgmental and loved all people.

His family was his world. Anyone who was loved by Mike was a lucky person. He was also his grandchildren's biggest fan and would brag about them at any chance he had.

He enjoyed playing poker, especially Texas Hold'em. In March 2022, he lived out his dream of playing in a major poker tournament. He loved cooking, grilling, smoking different types of meat, and watching cooking shows. He loved listening to Motown music, especially the funk and soul group Commodores. He was always up for a good movie and enjoyed golfing and swimming.

Mike's Christian faith was an essential part of his life. He was a strong believer, even during his journey with pancreatic cancer. He never wavered in his faith and was a true servant to God. He enjoyed volunteering in his community and being active in his church.

He lived a very full life filled with wonderful memories. While living in Sherrard, Illinois, he volunteered with the Sherrard Fire Department and was a recipient of the first-ever "Oops Award" after backing an ambulance into his personal vehicle. He went on to win the award twice. This is just one of the many stories that his family and friends will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother Doris (Griffiths) Norton, father John Shaw, stepmother Mary Shaw, and brother Steven Knapp.

He is survived by his beloved wife Nancy; his brother Garry (Kris) Knapp, older sister Terri (Steve) Lamberti, and baby sister Beckie Shaw-Patton; his former wife Natalie (Cameron) Dochterman and their daughters Alicia Shaw-Rogers, Adrienne (Chris) Bone, and stepson Nick Schuhmacher (Tina Trent); his grandchildren Mikhayla, Donovan, David and William; and his nieces and nephews.