Allan Monroe Shill

Allan Monroe Shill, the son of Alva M. and Elsie I. (Lindsey) Shill, was born on January 21, 1930, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Allan graduated from Omaha Tech High School in 1947, and began working as a carrier for the United States Postal Service in 1948. From 1948-49, he served in the U.S. Army at the U.S. Army Station in Fort Lewis, Washington, as a member of Company B, 72nd Heavy Tank Battalion (Private First Class). From 1949-57, Allan served as a member of the Nebraska Army Reserves, 355th Infantry Regiment (Sergeant First Class).

On April 7, 1956, Allan married Beverly Lucille Miller in Omaha, Nebraska, and for eighteen years, the couple made their home in Council Bluffs, Iowa. In 1979, Allan and Beverly moved to their acreage in Shelby, Iowa. Allan retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1986. On Easter Sunday, 2008, Allan and Beverly renewed their wedding vows. Beverly died on April 17, 2008, in Omaha.

Allan participated in Men’s League Club basketball, men’s fastpitch (20 years), men’s slowpitch (4 years), and men’s bowling leagues. His passion was coaching both boys and girls in basketball, football, softball, and pitching and catching skills; for 50 years, he enjoyed teaching both sports and life skills. Allan always attended the grandchildren’s events and sports, loved taking them to Dairy Queen, and telling them stories and jokes. He also liked to spend time camping, hiking, reading, doing crossword puzzles, and playing backgammon and chess.

Allan M. Shill died on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at his home in Shelby, Iowa, at the age of 81 years and 25 days.

Allan was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beverly Lucille Shill; and one grandson, Jared Watts. He is survived by four daughters, Deb (Rod) Rosenow of Shelby, Iowa, Kerry (Allan) Watts of Harlan, Iowa, Kathy Schumacher of Shelby, Iowa, and Robin (Todd) Goetzinger of Harlan, Iowa; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Graveside services and burial were held on Saturday, February 19, 2011, at the Shelby Cemetery in Shelby, Iowa, with Mr. Steve Kiesel of the First Presbyterian Church in Shelby presiding. Casket bearers were Travis Watts, Allan Watts, Rod Rosenow, Dan Nelson, Todd Goetzinger, Nick Rosenow, Steve Schumacher, and Brent Goetzinger. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Shelby was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.burmeisterjohannsen.com.