Nancy Jane Shields

1944 - 2025

Nancy Jane arrived in this world Feb. 6, 1944, into the loving care of Ruth and Floyd Bangert in her beloved town of Fort Madison, Iowa.

It was clear that curiosity, wonder, and persistence were the initial drivers that moved her as she would ask many questions, enjoyed reading and learning about the world with her mother and adventured with her father in training dogs, net fishing, gardening, earthworm-hunting, farming, and many countless tasks; excited to share in those moments with both.

As the little and big sister both, Nancy excelled. She and her youngest sibling, Ann, would play and learn together in the neighborhood and at Richardson Elementary just a few blocks away from their home.

Graduated and earned her diploma from both Topeka HS in Kansas and FMHS. Nancy worked at the Tastee Freeze on 27th and L where she met George "Buddie" Shields at the original HyVee on 20th and M in the produce section buying bananas for the Tastee Freeze in 1962. The two were later formally introduced by Clarine "Sam" Roxlau in August and were wed on Nov. 18, 1962 in Fort Madison.

In addition to raising six children and keeping a warm and loving home, Nancy dearly loved her nieces, April and Diana, and all of her aunts, uncles and cousins. Nancy opened her home to those in need from students to peers to family and non-family alike. There was generally a pot of coffee and plenty of popcorn waiting accompanying a place at the kitchen table for conversation with friends and family.

A lifelong music lover and practitioner, Nancy held a love of singing her favorite songs learned from her father, the radio, and albums alike. Her children and grandchildren continue this; Song Go On.

In the late '70s until the '90s, Nancy was a founding member of and held different offices in the FMHS Vocal Boosters (treasurer, secretary, board member) helping to create an institution of excellence in vocal music and performance. Nancy would assist with transporting, chaperoning, costuming, and feeding others at a moment's notice. She took special pride in watching her own children participate and excel in the vocal music.

Having a universal blood type, Nancy was passionate about making the biggest positive impact she could by being a life-long blood and platelet donor. As a hospice volunteer for Lee County Hospice for eight years Nancy continued her passion for helping others and often reflected on those moments. Monday nights were for bowling at Americana Bowl where she bowled in the Ladies League until the place burned down. The two were not related. Allegedly.

She drew up the plans for her kitchen and living room remodels and worked to proudly demo, install, and adorn her home to make it her sanctuary. Loved travel and did so as much as possible. Germany, England, Spain, and many states in the union, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Nancy slipped out the mortal door Monday, Aug. 18 at 2:25 p.m. while her family ate lunch. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, and Ryne Sandberg.

She is survived by her husband George, their children Todd (Libbie), Kelly, Nikki (David), Valerie, Geoffrey (Lisa), Mark (Latisha), and Lucia (Jorge), 25 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren with two en route

She did it her way.

Per her wishes, cremation has been entrusted to King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com