Merrill M. Shaw

merrill shaw
Our dad, Merrill Shaw, died on Tuesday this week (December 27). Dad wrote his own obituary, but it only told about his accomplishments, not who he was as a person. So here is our obituary for our dad. Dad was born on a farm, raised on a farm, and went to a country school in a horse drawn wagon. Dad didn’t talk about his childhood much; his dad died when Dad was 16. Dad was the oldest of four boys, and life was hard for Dad and his entire family. Dad went into the elevator business early in his life. After he married Mom, he bought the grain elevator from his father-in-law in New Hartford, Iowa. Mom and Dad had four daughters. Dad’s life during the time of having his family at home was filled with working long hours at the elevator, attending all of his children’s school and church events, singing in the church choir, and taking a two week family summer vacation, usually to Lake Kabetogama in northern Minnesota, every year. Dad also enjoyed pheasant hunting with some of his friends and his daughter, Marlene. Dad supported two of his daughters in 4-H by keeping beef cattle at the elevator, so the Butler County Fair became an important part of family summer schedules. After we girls left home, Dad changed professions and started golfing. He went from owning a grain elevator to owning a bank. His first bank was in Wisconsin; he was there for two years. Then he and Mom moved to New Hampton where he was President of First National Bank. Mom died in 1983. Dad married Delilah Boos in 1984. Dad stayed in the bank and continued to golf until 1990. He finally retired in 1990 and then he just golfed a lot. Dad and Delilah moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, after Dad retired. They lived in Scottsdale and Fountain Hills until his death this week. All four of us girls are still living; Jeannine and Marlene in Arizona, Sharon in Texas and Pat in Des Moines. Very sadly, one of Dad’s grandsons, Eric Diddy, died in 2004. He has 10 grandchildren and a host of great-grand-children Cemetery: Private family burial follows on Saturday in New Hampton Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Merrill's family or to Care Initiatives Hospice at 7055 Vista Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Visitation at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton will be from 4-7pm on Friday, December 30.

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  1. Our sincere sympathy to all the family. Merrill was a good employer and friend. He always had a smile for me and I really enjoyed working at the FNB for him. God bless you Merrill and may you rest in peace.

  2. Dear Olsen Family:

    We want you to know that we are praying for you all! We remember Grandpa Shaw well and all the times he traveled back to Iowa for a visit. What a fun man! May you all be comforted by the love of Christ! We love you deeply and share in your pain.

  3. I’m so sorry for your loss. My grandpa (John M. Shaw) was recently telling me about growing up as the youngest of four boys. He spoke very highly of your dad.

    May the Lord bring you much comfort at this time.

    Shannon (Shaw) Palenschat

  4. Our sincerest sympathy to all. Merrill was a friend to New Hampton & Herm enoyed working with him. Sorry we will not be at the visitation – we are still in MN. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
    Herman & Muriel

  5. Our sympathy to the Shaw families.
    We remember him for his great smile and friendly manner.

    Sincerely,
    Louise and Donn Harris

  6. God Bless you and your family, Matt. I have just found out about your grandpa’s death at 8 o’clock on the day of his visitation. I am scheduled to work at 10 and will not be able to attend the visitation, but my thoughts and prayers with be with all.

    Nanette

  7. My sympathy to Merrill’s whole family. Merrill was a dear friend to me and my late husband Ken Dix We had some great times traveling and playing golf together with Merrill and Delilah. My thoughts & prayers are with you. Flo Dix

  8. Our sympathy to Merrill’s entire family. To us he was a long time family friend, neighbor,and of course our family banker! Our memories of Merrrill are of a warm and engaging person and a true gentleman. Love & prayers Dick & Brita

  9. My heartfelt sympathy for the Shaw family. I always appreciated Merrill’s friendly gestures. He was a friend to all who knew him. Harlan

  10. So sorry I am late in sending my thoughts and prayers but we were on our way back to NC when I heard of Merrills passing. Enjoyed being neighbors to your parents and also working for Merrill at the bank. It is always hard to lose a loved one and please know we will always remember your dad.


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