Robert "Nick" Shinstine

Robert N. Shinstine, 73, formerly of New Hampton, died Monday, August 18, 2025, at Evans Memorial Home, Cresco, after having suffered strokes.

Inurnment will be at a later date in St. Mary's Cemetery, New Hampton.

Robert Nickolas Shinstine was born September 10, 1951, the son of Robert J. and Adeline (Hackman) Shinstine in New Hampton. He attended St. Joseph Parochial School and New Hampton Community High School, graduating in 1969, the first class from the new high school. After one year at Rochester, MN Junior College, he transferred to Upper Iowa University, Fayette, graduating in December 1972 with a degree in Education.

Having grown up known as "Bob", he later in life began using his middle name Nickolas or "Nick" as there were five other staff members named "Bob" at a school where he was employed.

Three days after his college graduation, Nick was inducted into the U.S. Air Force, serving for three years, including one year in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. At Shemya Air Base, Alaska, as a telecommunications operator, Nick was among those monitoring Russia for a possible attack on the United States during the Cold War. During that time, the attack alarm sounded twice but was deemed to be a malfunction. Because of his tour of duty on the remote air base, Nick's four-year military enlistment was reduced to three years. In 2023 he was awarded a Quilt of Valor as a veteran, proud to have served his country.

Following his honorable discharge at the rank of Sergeant, Nick taught English, Speech and Drama at BGM High School, Brooklyn, IA. He next taught at an American Dignitaries School in Cartagena, Colombia, South America, returning to the States to teach in Harrisonville, MO. Nick left teaching to attend the University of Northern Iowa, receiving a Master's Degree in Arts in Education in 1980. He then served as a counselor at an American Dignitaries School in Johannesburg, South Africa. Again returning to the States, Nick was employed as a school counselor at Parkersburg, IA and then as an admissions director at Kaplan University before moving to Arizona. While living in Arizona, he was an admissions director at a Community College in Phoenix.

In 2008, Nick moved to Waterloo, IA to be near family, doing temporary office work for various companies, including the City of Waterloo Housing Department. After suffering a stroke in 2019 he moved to Cresco near family and following a second stroke, became a resident of Evans Memorial Home.

He enjoyed reading, both fiction and non-fiction, movies, traveling, playing canasta, being with family and especially his dog, Diva.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, LaVern Brummond; two sisters, Peggy (Duane) Pagel and Jean (Don) Thompson; brother-in-law Robert Clausen; nephews David and Douglas Pagel, Richard Brummond; nieces Jill Thompson, Barbara Hyman, Kathy Roethler; several great-nephews and great-nieces and other relatives with whom he had close relationships.

Survivors include two sisters Camilla (Don) Conway, Cresco and Elaine (Chuck) Denner, New Hampton; sister-in-law Geraldine Brummond, New Hampton and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Schmelzer Funeral Home, Cresco, is assisting the family.