Mike Shannan

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.