"Mike was the very first trainer I ever got to work with he blew me away with his ability to ride any horse an make sure t look good in the ring I honestly think he could have won on s mule he was that good of a showman, I learned a lot from Mike and will always be grateful.Mike is responsible for making a lasting impact in my life through a horse my family wanted to buy but weren?t sure about so we asked Mike to look at her he told us to buy her which we did she made a good show horse an outstanding broodmare for us to this day I have 2 granddaughters of that special mare which I never would have had if Mike hadn?t told us to buy their grandmother.Even though I lost touch with Mike I will never forget what a great horseman he was an how he helped me grow as a rider an horse enthusiast. I will always remember you Mike!! ? Becky"
In loving memory of
Mike Shannan
May 2, 2020
Michael L. Mike Shannan, 66, of rural Washington, IA, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2020, at his home as a result of a fire.
A celebration of life service for Sherry and Mike will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at the Wright Family Pavillion on the Old Threshers Grounds, with Pastor Jeff McPherron officiating. The families will greet friends following the service until 3:30 p.m. Private inurnment will be in Pattison Cemetery, rural Fairfield, IA. Gifts of love and friendship may be given to Pattison Cemetery or to the family, made payable to Sherrys sister, Tammie Haney, or Mikes brother, Kirk Shannan, to be used for a bench in Sherry and Mikes memory. Olson~Powell Memorial Chapel of Mt. Pleasant is assisting the family. On-line condolences may be directed to www.olsonpowell.com.
Born in Keosauqua, IA, on December 17, 1953, Michael Lee was the son of Jimmy Lee and Mary Lou (Droz) Shannan. He graduated from Fairfield High School. Mike served in the United States Navy, doing two tours during the Vietnam War.
After being honorably discharged, Mike farmed and worked with quarter horses. He was part owner in the family business, Shannan Horse and Hound, in Fairfield, selling tack, feed, and western wear. Mike had a natural talent and love for horses. He made a living for many years showing, shoeing, judging, and training horses. Using his knowledge of horses, Mike was a winning trainer at Prairie Meadows Race Track in Des Moines.
A jack of all trades, Mike was able to use his creative talents to create recycled glass, one-of-a-kind, bird feeders that were sold throughout the country. Most recently he enjoyed helping his beloved partner, Sherry with her floral business, Country Charm Flowers and Gifts in Mt. Pleasant. Along with his love of horses, Mike also loved dogs, especially Lucky, his Australian Shepherd.
Left to share Mikes memories are his children, Jeremy Shannan of Mesa, AZ and Jodi (Winston) Anderson of Chandler, AZ; his mother, Mary Lou Shannan of Fairfield, IA; and two brothers, Kirk (Mary) Shannan of Fairfield, IA, and Kevin (Bill) Shannan of Columbus, OH. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Shamus Shannan and Noah Kirkendohl, and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Mike in death was his father and a brother, Todd Shannan. Sherry Bertsch, Mikes longtime partner, perished alongside Mike.
Tributes
"My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I knew Mike when I was little his parents where my foster parents .He was a wonderful man ."
"Prayers to the family!"
"Denny and I send our love to the family. We were very close to Mike and his family in his younger years and watched him and his brothers grow up. We were shocked to hear the news. Loved his glass bird feeders. We know Mike was a Christian and know that he is with God. That is comforting. Life can change in he blink of an eye. Love your family while you can. God bless!"
"First of all I pray for Mikes family. To loose someone they love like this has to be hard! At least Mike and Sherry were together thats important. They were a team. A great team!!! Mike was a very kind man with lots of love in his heart. I saw him as a shy guy but a great guy. He was always kind and thoughtful to me!! So very truly sorry for this loss. I pray Mike rest in the arms of an angel. God bless you all"
"Mike and Sherry made each other compete....he was a true partner...a talented glass artist. I loved giving him old dishes which he was so appreciative of. I like thinking of him and Sherry and Lucky together....forever....love is eternal. I loved watching Mike watching Sherry.....they were a good pair."