John Franklin Shanafelt

John Franklin Shanafelt, age 91, passed away on December 22, 2024, at the Whispering Creek Senior Living residence in Sioux City, Iowa. 

Son of Paul William and Elizabeth (Betty) Shanafelt, John was born on November 23,1933 in Akron, Ohio. He graduated Mogadore High School in 1951 and received his Bachelor of Science in Business from Miami University of Oxford, Ohio. 

After graduating, John’s first job was at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio. John was united in marriage to Margaret Joan Olson on August 5, 1956. John and Joan went on to have three children, John Scott, Leigh Ann, and Charles Herbert.

John’s assignments in the tire industry led him to Youngstown, Ohio, Paducah, Kentucky, and finally to Sioux City, Iowa where he managed the General Tire store. After a few years, he made a career change to the utility industry. John held various managerial assignments at Iowa Public Service, now known as MidAmerican Energy, until he retired in 1996. 

After retirement, John and his wife, Joan, moved to Spirit Lake, Iowa. They built a home on Spirit Lake and enjoyed lake life which they shared with family and friends. Many enjoyable times were spent at the lake boating, skiing, playing cards & games, eating great food, celebrating special occasions and watching beautiful sunsets from the porch. John was active in the Spirit Lake community and chaired the Dickinson County Taxpayer’s Association.

John developed his woodworking skills after retirement, and made many cherished pieces using oak, maple and cherry woods. He also enjoyed tennis and music (jazz and blues were his favorites). His entire family laughed, and sometimes groaned, at his jokes and his unique play on words & phrases. His grandchildren were delighted with many of his stories when he recollected his past. He kept this sense of humor all through his life. John was a believer in conserving energy and his children and grandchildren will have a bittersweet reminder of him every time they adjust a thermostat!

John moved back to Sioux City in March of 2023 after Joan, his wife of 66 years passed away. He spent his remaining years living at the Whispering Creek Senior Living residence.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Willam and Elizabeth (Betty) Shanafelt, brother Paul David (and his wife Marcia), and granddaughter, Leah.

Left to cherish his memory are his two sons, John S.(Julie) Shanafelt of Montgomery, Texas and Charles (Julie) Shanafelt of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota and daughter, Leigh MacMillan of Toronto, Canada; 10 grandchildren, Kara (Russel) Lindell, Hannah (Bryan) Leuenberger, Travis (Melissa) Shanafelt, Jason Shanafelt, Paul Shanafelt, Laura (Greg) Biagi, Chase Shanafelt, Anna (Eliot) Bacon, Brett MacMillan and Pamela MacMillan; 16 great grandchildren, Emma, William, Caroline, Jaxon, Reese, Tate, Fender, Isabella, Mae, Ada, Grace, Quinn, Giovanni, Rocco, Arlo and Willa; sister Carol (Ed) Lysen.

Our heart felt gratitude goes out to the staff at the Whispering Creek Senior Living residence. Dad had a very positive experience there and the staff were attentive and caring. We will remember them fondly. Another big thank you goes to the staff from St. Croix Hospice. What a special service they provide. 

A private memorial service will be held at Meyer Brothers Funeral Home Morningside chapel on Friday January 10th. In lieu of flowers, donations and memorial gifts can be made to the St. Croix Hospice.