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John Shen Obituary
John Shen, 84, of West Lafayette died peacefully on October 6, 2015 at IU Arnett Hospital. He was born on October 20, 1930 in Shanghai, China and immigrated to the United States in 1950 to attend college. He graduated from Purdue University with a Civil Engineering degree in 1956. While studying at Purdue, he met and married his loving wife, Florence. They were inseparable partners for 62 years.
John worked as a Project Engineer for the Indiana State Highway for 20 years, and then used his engineering expertise and entrepreneurial skills to develop, build and operate Crestview Apartments.
As his business ventures became more successful, it freed him to pursue his second great passion; fishing. He was an accomplished freshwater sport fisherman and was happiest trolling for trophy walleye or casting for bass and pike on Dogtooth Lake in Ontario Canada.
John also donated his time to various philanthropic organizations. He was a long time member of Federated Church of West Lafayette, serving as a Trustee, Deacon and helping to establish Federated's Endowment Board.
He was a valued Board member of Lafayette's Human Relations Commission, the local Salvation Army Board, Lafayette Savings Bank, and Turner Construction. John was an avid supporter of all Purdue Sports and a proud 45-year member of the John Purdue Club.
John is survived by his wife, Florence, and three children, Pauline Shen (Robert Wild) and William Shen (Liesl) of West Lafayette, Frances Bubalo (Joseph) of Portland, Oregon. John was very fond of his seven grandchildren, Oliver, Hayley, Jacob, Rachel, Henry, John, and Arden and two great-grandchildren, Alexis and Avery. Preceding him in death is one grandchild, Nicholas Shen Beers.
Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel, 1184 Sagamore Parkway West. Friends will be received from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM on Monday at the Federated Church in West Lafayette, Rev. Dr. Gary L. Reif officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Lafayette Urban Ministry in John's memory. Sign the guest book and leave memories at www.soller-baker.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Shen
Judy Klimek
March 19, 2017
Francis and family, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. You will be in my prayers.
Judy (Treece) Klimek
Jennie (Brand) Stein
October 29, 2015
Dear Shen family- Mrs. Shen, Pauline, Francie and William,
I have such good memories of Mr. Shen from our days in Ravinamy, and playing at your house as a child. My parents thought the world of him, too. Thinking of you all during this time.
October 16, 2015
Florence and Pauline: Big Brother Will Chen notified us the sad news about John's passing away. John sets up a good example for many to be a constructive, optimistic,diligent and problem solving Civil Engineer. He doesn't go away. John is still in our hearts. Luh and Karen Chang
Lily and Waifah Chen
October 15, 2015
Florence and Pauline: we were sad to learn from our son Arnold's email message whose family has just moved to WL from Bay Area since last July. We will sure miss John for his kindness and smile especially when he returned from his fishing trip in Canada and delivered walleyed pike fish to us with a big smile. When we visited your house, John loved to BBQ ribs. He mixed his own spices and made the very delicious ribs.
Marian Lin
October 14, 2015
Uncle John will be greatly missed. He was a very dear friend to our family. One of the last things our Mom told us ... "if our family ever needs any help, go to Uncle John ..." I remember fondly how Uncle John would stop by after his fishing expeditions to share his catch with Dad and Mom. And always with that wonderful smile.
Janice (Lin) Huang
October 14, 2015
Uncle John Shen knew my dad loved eating fish, and I remember how he would specially bring over some of his catch after fishing trips. He was a wonderful friend to our family, and we will miss him.
Margaret Lin
October 14, 2015
When I think about Uncle John Shen, I remember his smiling face. I remember how he would share his freshly caught fish with our family. He was so happy standing at our front doorstep holding the fish -- it was true joy. We will miss him dearly.
William and Deb Harper
October 12, 2015
Mrs Shen, Pauline, Oliver and Family. We are very sorry to read of your loss. You have our heartfelt sympathy.
Vicki Giese(Somerville)
October 11, 2015
Frances, Pauline, and family - thinking of you and sending my condolences for your loss.
Judy Treece Klimek
October 11, 2015
Frances and family, I am truly sorry for your loss.
Brandon Crowe
October 10, 2015
Pauline, Oliver and family - Kim and I are very sorry for your loss.
Gregory Cohen
October 10, 2015
Pauline my thoughts are with you.
Linda Wallace
October 9, 2015
Mrs.Shen and family, I am very sorry for your loss. John was a wonderful man and I always enjoyed his humor. May God be with you.
Cindy Bass
October 9, 2015
Pauline, Oliver and family - Thoughts are with you during this time.
October 9, 2015
Mrs. Shen and family members our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We have the greatest memories of our family and the Shen families together! God Bless!
Jeri Powles
October 9, 2015
Pauline and Florence, our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. John's love and kindness will be with you forever.
October 9, 2015
Florence and Pauline. Once more death has brought loss to you. As before I trust God's grace will see you through.
- Brian
October 9, 2015
Florence and Pauline. Once more, death has brought loss to you. Like before, I trust you will know the grace of God to see you through.
Geilan Ismail
October 8, 2015
Ms Shen, Pauline and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. The Shen family are part of the Federated "village" that brought me up. I have many fond memories. Please except my deepest sympathies and you are all in my prayers.
Bob and Chris Mulligan
October 8, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. May your memories give you comfort.
Linda Miller
October 8, 2015
Pauline, May the many memories of your Father, bring you peace and comfort during this time of grief.
Dinah McClure
October 8, 2015
Thinking of you and all your family, Pauline, and sending my wishes for comfort and peace to you.
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