Joseph (Joe) Shipley

December 10, 1947 - May 7, 2022

Joseph Edward Shipley was born December 10, 1947, in Clarinda, Iowa, to Earl Shipley and Sylvia (Dumler) Shipley. A resident of Red Oak, Iowa, he died on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Accura Care in Shenandoah.

Joe grew up in Nodaway, Iowa, and attended the Nodaway Public Schools until that district joined the Villisca Public Schools in 1959. He graduated from Villisca High School in 1966. After graduation, he attended Iowa Western Community College in Clarinda for two years. He then attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, leaving when he began his career in the Iowa National Guard. He received a business degree in 1996 from Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa.

Joe was united in marriage August 12, 1972, to Margaret (Peterson) Larson at the Villisca Methodist Church. They were blessed with one son, David.

Joe joined the Iowa National Guard in 1969. After training at Fort Ord, California, he moved up in rank as he served at Camp Dodge, Clarinda, Villisca, Atlantic, and Council Bluffs. He retired as a Major with twenty-four years of service.

After high school graduation, Joe worked at the Skelly's Gas Station and the Co-op in the Villisca. He and Margaret farmed in the Nodaway area from 1973 until 1997. Joe also worked at the Clarinda Correctional Facility from 1995 until he retired in 2010.

He enjoyed his gun collection and coin collection. He was a sports fan and especially enjoyed baseball. He and Margaret also enjoyed traveling.

Preceding Joe in death were his parents, Earl and Sylvia Shipley.

He was survived by his wife of forty-nine years, Margaret Shipley of Red Oak, Iowa; his son, David Shipley of Clarinda; his brothers, Charles Shipley of Red Oak; Stan Shipley (Barb) of Tenville; and Marvin Shipley (Chris) of Tenville; and his sister, Janet Stoner (Kelly) of Topeka, Kansas. He was also survived by his nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Visitation with the family was held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Clarinda. Burial, with military rites, was at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, May 12, 2022, in the Nodaway Cemetery in Nodaway, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to Joseph Shipley Memorial. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com.

Barbara Kemery wrote this obituary using information Joe provided for a class reunion in addition to the obituary written for Joe’s funeral.