Michael “Mike” Shaw, of Jordan, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday morning, January 16, 2016, at the age of 72. A visitation is Friday, January 22, 2016 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation in Jordan. A Celebration of Life Service is Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 11:00 AM with visitation from 9:30 – 10:45 AM at Hope Lutheran Church in Jordan. Reverend Thomas Stutelberg will preside. Pallbearers for Mike are his nephews, Daniel Fox, Darin Shaw, Stephan Shaw, Thomas Shaw, Kyle Belmont and Timothy Eckhoff, and Mike’s grandsons Austin Shaw and Charlie Wolf are honorary pallbearers. Mike will be laid to rest at Sprit Hill Cemetery.
On July 4, 1943 Tim and Tootsie Shaw welcomed their son Michael Alan Shaw into the world. He was the second of seven children, and the oldest boy in the family. Mike loved growing up on the family farm in Henning. He developed a strong work ethic, and his parents always depended on him to get the chores done. The Shaw’s were a close-knit family, and Mike valued growing up with his cousins who lived on a nearby farm. Mike loved his home town and returned to the family farm every year to help plant and gather crops.
After graduating from Henning High School, Mike attended Bemidji State University and earned his teaching degree. Mike worked hard to put himself through school. He got a job as the head chef at The Ranch House Supper Club in Fergus Falls, MN. Mike loved cooking, but the best part of this job is that it led him to a lovely young woman, Lorraine Lukken.
The two hit it off, and their love quickly blossomed. On June 11, 1966, Mike and Lori exchanged wedding vows at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Henning. Shortly after their wedding, Mike and Lori settled in Jordan and were blessed with two wonderful children, Patrick and Wendy.
Mike taught at Jordan High School for 35 years. He also coached wrestling, track and baseball and acted as a wrestling referee. Mike had a wonderful way of interacting with his students. He showed kindness, compassion and encouragement to each student. After retiring in 2000, Mike became an adjunct professor for Mankato State University for 7 years where he oversaw and advised student teachers.
Throughout the years, Mike had many side jobs too. He was a skilled carpenter and took on many remodeling projects. He even built a cabin for his family on East Battle Lake. Mike had his realtor license and did taxes for a large number of customers every year. He was also very involved in the community. Mike served on the City Council for more than 25 years and has been the Mayor of Jordan since 2012. Mike was a respected leader in the community and a dedicated civil servant.
When Mike wasn’t working, he was spending time outdoors, enjoying nature. Mike had a passion for deer, pheasant and duck hunting. He also greatly enjoyed fishing and tending to the earth through farming. Mike also was an active member of the Scott Carver Threshers Organization. He was proud to pass his love for tractors onto his grandsons, Austin and Charlie. Mike was also proud of the work he did with the Commercial Club, Zoning and Planning Committee, Concertina Club and the Chamber of Commerce.
Mike always kept himself busy and had many interests, but the most important things in his life were family and faith. He was a wonderful husband, loving father and an adoring grandpa. Mike was a selfless man with a servant’s heart. He was blessed with the fruits of the Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Mike lived every day to its fullest and was an inspiration to many.
After a yearlong battle with cancer, Mike went to be with the Lord. He passed away peacefully holding the hands of his family members. Mike will be deeply missed by his wife, Lori Shaw; children, Patrick (Amy) Shaw, Wendy (Eric) Wolf; grandchildren, Lauren and Austin Shaw, Charlie and Grace Wolf, Kailey, Harlan and Lucy Johnson; mother, Alvina “Tootsie” Shaw; siblings, Sandy (Bruce) Fox, Keith (Cindy) Shaw, Steve (Sue) Shaw, Sue (Stan) Eckhoff, Kevin (Penny) Shaw, Becky (Tom) Belmont; other loving relatives and friends. Mike’s dad preceded him in death and was there to greet him in Heaven.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly serves the Shaw family.
