John A. ''Jack'' Shipley

Moline, Illinois John A. "Jack" Shipley, 99, of Moline, died Friday, March 29, 2002, in his home. Services to celebrate a life well-lived are 2 p.m. Tuesday at Trimble Funeral Home, Moline. The Reverend Dr. Robert Miller and The Reverend Rebecca Wentworth, First Congregational Church, Moline, will officiate. Burial is in Moline Memorial Park. Visitation is one hour before the services. Memorials may be made to First Congregational Church, Moline, or the Diabetes Association. Jack was born January 14, 1903, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the son of John and Flora (Allison) Shipley. He married Edna McFadden on June 14, 1923, at First Congregational Church in Ottumwa. She died September 5, 1999. Jack worked at Dain Works, Ottumwa, for several years and transferred to John Deere in 1946. He worked as a methods engineer and retired in 1966 after 46 years. He was the oldest living John Deere Retiree. He enjoyed his retirement and spent his time working on his yard and garden, and helping his tool-impaired family. Jack enjoyed life and continued to actively participate in family events until his death. He took great care of himself and his family. Once you earned his respect, you treasured it. He was an avid walker, walking miles daily in all weather. He walked the Bix when he was 90, and golfed regularly, shooting a 92 at 92. A leg injury slowed him down some in recent years but he still enjoyed winning croquet games, bird watching, lively discussions, a strong cup of coffee, and a good cigar. He was a member of First Congregational Church, Moline, and the Moline Elks Lodge. John is survived by three children and their spouses, Ronald and Bettelou Shipley, Gene Shipley, and Joy and Jack Dye, all of Moline, and a sister, Edna Sheets of Burlington, Iowa. He was a loving and attentive grandfather to his nine grandchildren and their spouses, Mike Shipley, Cindy and Bruce Meers, Christina Kelly, Kim and Gus Schweitzer, Mark Shipley, Steve Shipley, Brad and Joanna Dye, Jeff and Janet Dye, and Jodi and Mark Zimmerman. He delighted in knowing his 17 great-grandchildren as well and was active in their lives; they include Shawn, Seth and Brynn Shipley, Chris, Robin and Rebecca Meers, Laura Kettler and Nick Gunsolley, Josh, Jacob and Jenny Schweitzer, Jared and Derek Dye, Jessica and Jenna Zimmerman, and Ashley and Brittney Shipley. He was preceded in death by a brother, Al Shipley who died in the Korean war; and a daughter-in-law, Barbara Shipley. This memorial may be viewed, and condolences sent to the family, at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com. END OF OBITUARY