Jeff "Brutus" Shields

Jeffrey Lee Shields, known to his closest friends as Brutus, was born October 13, 1982, to Francis and Debbie (Thurman) Shields. Jeffrey found his peace and was called home on April 27, 2024 at the age of 41.
Jeff's early years of education began at Lorimor Elementary School. From there, he attended Afton Schools, and then the family moved to Ellston, Iowa in 1997, where Jeffrey completed his education at Mount Ayr High School, as a graduate of the Class of 2001.
After he graduated, Jeffrey held various jobs until he got a job working for Kelly James doing farm work. Jeff was also employed with the Schlapia's in Diagonal, where he gained not only experience, but lifelong friends. Most recently, Jeff was working for Brad and Terri Van Gelder with Precision Applicators. Brad was like a brother to Jeff, and Jeff thought the world of Brad and his entire family. Jeff could fix anything and run any piece of equipment, and Brad never had to worry about a thing with Jeff around. Jeff was Brad's right-hand man for close to 12 years.
In May of 2013, a beautiful little girl was born to Jeff and Amy. Jeff couldn't have been more proud of his daughter, Jentry Lynn. She was the light of his entire life and Jeff's legacy will live on through her.
Jeff loved his toys and could always be found wrenching on another project. He loved mud running, demo derbys, and tractor pulling, and was always trying to get 300 horsepower out of a 200 horsepower motor. In 2001, Mount Ayr held its first pickup demo derby. Despite running over something when he first pulled on to the track, resulting in no steering and only 3 tires, Jeff took first place that night. Jeff was an outdoors man to heart and when he wasn't found tinkering on a truck or tractor, he was in the woods. Kayaking was one of his greatest loves and some of the fondest memories will be with Jeff on the river. He loved fishing, hunting, camping and anything that got him outside.
Jeff was preceded in death by all of his grandparents, 3 aunts, and 1 uncle.
Left to remember his memory include his daughter Jentry, of Colorado; his parents, Francis and Debbie Shields of Grand River IA; his brother Kelly (Shannon) Shields of Kellerton, IA; his sister Erica (Mike) Oshel of Diagonal, IA; 3 nephews, Bryan Korbyn and Gage; and 1 niece, Emma; his special friends, Myklyn Looney and Rodney Ripperger of Lorimor, IA, and many other relatives and friends.
Memorials are to the family.