Gary Lee "Rock" Shields

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on January 6, 2026 at the age of 71. Beloved husband and best friend of Brenda Lee (nee Berndt). Devoted dad of Shaun, Aaron and Joseph Shields. Loving brother of Janice (Bill) Kralj and Marie (Michael) Day, Sandy (Linda) Shields, Mark (Linda) Shields, Heidi and Mark Hamilton, and Daniel Berndt. Rock will be greatly missed by other family and many friends, as well as his two faithful dogs.

Rock's family was the center of his life, and he was always there for us, totally devoted in steadfast love, and providing for us.

Rock loved making music, his heart beat in time to his drums. He didn't need his drum set to play and we will always remember how any convenient surface would ring when the music called. He got a kick out of trying every surface to see what sound he would get out of it, his hands a blur, no sticks needed! The hood of a car, or maybe a drum solo on the fridge, stove and lids of the pans as he made a batch of spaghetti for us. He played guitar and we enjoyed many happy hours together as he serenaded us with his original compositions on his old Gibson acoustic, as well as jamming with family and friends in the basement "music studio".

We'll always remember playing Sheepshead with our close friends, enjoying a great evening, even if someone mauered, so everyone could get in some light hearted jabs.

He loved good old rock music, but wasn't a snob, he really appreciated everything from country to classical to jazz, and enjoyed spinning records with family and friends.

Rock had a strong faith in God, and trusted in his savior, Jesus Christ's, sacrificial death on the cross to atone for his sins. Rock can now say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

Rock, our beloved and cherished husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many, now rests in the arms of the Savior, free from pain and sorrow, rejoicing in the presence of the Almighty.

A Memorial Service will be held in the Spring. Please check back for further details.