Michael L. 'Mike' Shannan

MICHAEL L. "MIKE" SHANNAN

Washington

Michael L. "Mike" Shannan, 66, of rural Washington, Fairfield, Washington, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2020, at his home as a result of a fire.

According to his wishes, Mike has been cremated. A joint celebration of his life, along with the life of Sherry Bertsch, will be held at a later time when social distancing restrictions are lifted. Inurnment will be in Pattison Cemetery, rural Fairfield. Memorials will be established at the time of the celebration of life. Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel of Mt. Pleasant is assisting the family. Online condolences may be directed to www.olsonpowell.com.

Born in Keosauqua, Iowa, on Dec. 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 U.S. 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 Mount Pleasant. Along with his love of horses, Mike also loved dogs, especially Lucky, his Australian Shepherd.

Left to share Mike's memories are his children, Jeremy Shannan of Mesa, Ariz., and Jodi (Winston) Anderson of Chandler, Ariz.; his mother, Mary Lou Shannan of Fairfield; and two brothers, Kirk (Mary) Shannan of Fairfield and Kevin (Bill) Shannan of Columbus, Ohio. He also is 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; and Sherry Bertsch, Mike's longtime partner, perished alongside Mike.