A funeral service for John D. Shaw, 71, of Fenton, was held Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 10:30 AM, at the Fenton United Methodist Church.
John Douglas Shaw was born August 12, 1952, in Algona, the son of Donald E. and Shirley M. (Frank) Shaw. He grew up in Fenton graduating from Sentral High School in 1970. He started his career farming and raising hogs with his father on the family farm northeast of town and continued for several years.
John was married to Gerene Gose on June 18, 1988, at the Fenton United Methodist Church. John would be best described as a self-made entrepreneur, starting many different business ventures with the help of Gerene. He began Fast-Oil in Algona operating that for 21 years, in conjunction with Midwest Satellite and a hot tub business. He then did custom home building in the Omaha area for a few years returning to Fenton where he began JD Shaw Furniture building custom furniture and wholesaling to Homemakers in Des Moines, IA.
John dearly loved his wife. He was “Born to Ride” and with their love of riding together, traveled all over the country on their Harley-Davidson. Throughout their many travels, they visited all the states in the lower 48 except two. He was able to check off many items on his bucket list. The most memorable one was going to NASA in FL and watching a Satellite launch. His favorite place to visit was anywhere his children or grandchildren were. Many hours of excitement and fun were spent around a kitchen table playing multiple games. With a couple favorites being marbles (Wahoo), card games, and chess. John had a passion for racing and dedicated himself to the sport, constructing his own stock car and participating in races held at the Algona, IA fairgrounds. He was a history buff and garnered his passion for it by reading every book in the library at Sentral High School. John was active in his community serving as a volunteer Fireman and EMT, along with being an active member of the Fenton United Methodist Church. He had a unique way of connecting with people and sharing his wealth of knowledge with many.
On December 13, 2013, John was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. After deciding to move forward with treatments, he told the doctors, “Let’s get started; I’ve got to get back to work!” Thus began our very long, hard journey that lasted nearly 10 years with many blessings along the way. John touched many lives, and all the love was especially felt and realized at the wonderful Benefit that was held for him. He passed peacefully on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at Kossuth Regional Health Center, at the age of 71.
He is survived by his wife, Gerene of Fenton, children, Mandee (Tim) Lind of Ames, IA, Vern (Lisa) Allison of Bull Shoals, AR, Janelle (Heath) Baker of Leonard, TX, and David, Sherry, and Jeff. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; his sister, Carol (John) Meehan of White Bear Lake, MN; a sister-in-law, Janell Shaw (Al) Thorson of Kellogg, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; and one brother, Richard Shaw.
Oakcrest Funeral Services of Algona in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.
