Steven E Shaw

Steven E. Shaw, 70, of Oskaloosa, passed away peacefully at sunrise on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa, Iowa, surrounded by his family. Born on April 19, 1954, in Mahaska County, Iowa, he was the son of Lester and Lena (Waller) Shaw. Steve graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1972, and during his high school years, he began working at Oskaloosa Implement, specializing in International farm equipment. After graduation, he attended Indian Hills Community College, where he earned a degree in Farm Machine Equipment Repair.
On October 10, 1975, Steve married Sheryl Whitaker at the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa, and together they welcomed two daughters, Kristin and Kara. He worked as a mechanic at Oskaloosa Implement until September 1989 when he transitioned to Case IH as a corporate territory service manager, later becoming a parts and service manager until 2008. He concluded his career as a precision farming sales manager for Case New Holland, retiring after 27 years dedicated to advancing agricultural technology.
Steve was an active member of the First Christian Church, where he held a strong faith. He loved spending time outdoors, tinkering, and had a knack for fixing anything. He was a devoted fan of the Hawkeyes and enjoyed supporting his children and grandchildren in all their activities. Breakfast was a highlight for him, particularly when it included perfectly cooked bacon, and he had a discerning taste for desserts, favoring both "hot" and "cold" pies. Taking the grandkids for Polaris rides, rounds of mini-putt and making homemade ice cream was sure to bring a smile to all 5 of them. Working at The Farm Progress Show and The Husker Farm Show brought him so much joy. He cherished his NASCAR trips with friends and relished attending the Hot August Nights Car Show in Reno, NV, with his brother-in-law, Steve, where they would spend days searching for the most pristine, original cars. Family vacations to Tahoe, Biloxi, and Florida, along with quiet evenings by the fire on the deck with Sheryl, were also dear to him.
In October 2006, Steve received a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, yet he continued to work for ten more years, determined not to let the illness define him. He found fulfillment in attending Rock Steady boxing classes as a way to adapt to his changing condition and connect with new friends battling similar complications. When driving became a challenge, he enjoyed riding with friends Ron, Sam, and Scott. With the love and support of Sheryl, Kristin, Kara, and the rest of his family, Steve was able to remain in his home until April 2023. In the spring of 2023, he moved to the Oskaloosa Care Center, where he was welcomed with warmth and compassion by the staff who attended to his evolving needs.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Sheryl Shaw of Oskaloosa; two daughters, Kristin (Eric) Baumgarth and Kara (Mike) Foster, both from North Liberty, Iowa; four grandchildren, Madden Foster, Miles Baumgarth, Olive Baumgarth, and Jaxson Foster; two brothers, Joel (Chris) Shaw of Batavia and Jeff Shaw of Des Moines; a brother-in-law, Steve (Nancy) Whitaker of Ankeny; and a sister-in-law, Kathy Shaw of New Sharon.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents, a sister in infancy, Marcia Shaw, a brother, Scott Shaw, in-laws, Betty and Marvin Whitaker, and a nephew, Tony Whitaker.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa, Iowa, with Reverends Robert and Molly Goodrich officiating. Open visitation will take place at the Bates Funeral Chapel starting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, with family present from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Forest Cemetery. Bates Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Association Iowa Chapter, First Christian Church, or MHP Hospice Serenity House.