Michael James Shields, age 75, of Atchison, Kansas, died unexpectedly on March 21, 2023, at his home.
Mike was born on June 14, 1947, in Freeport, New York, the son of Wilfred James Shields and Mary Kathryn (Harding) Shields. He attended schools at St. William the Abbot, St. John’s Prep, St. John’s University, Assumption Abbey, and Benedictine College (class of 1970). He permanently moved from Seaford, New York to Atchison, Kansas in 1971.
He was employed at the Atchison Juvenile Correctional Facility until his retirement in 2003. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed playing golf at Bellevue Country Club with his friends Ed Herman and Jim Fridell and was a member of the Atchison Elk’s Club.
Mike loved to travel and see new sites. Some of his favorite places were Hawaii and California for the golf and Montana for the fishing. For years he would drive to Montana and compete with his brother-in-law, Hal, for the biggest and most fish. Not sure who had won those competitions but sure the arguments are continuing in Heaven. Mike also enjoyed the garage parties at his sister’s home in Great Falls, where many political debates occurred.
Mike was a generous soul. Mike would always lend a helping hand to anyone he felt needed assistance. Whether a car ride or a knock on his door in the middle of the night. He was lovingly known as the ‘Mayor of Atchison’ by his family members. ‘He never met a stranger’.
Mike is survived by his siblings, John Harding Shields of Jackson Heights, NY. Mary Kathryn (George) Emmett of Coeur d’Alene, ID; Kitty Curran Olson of Great Falls, MT; Holly Ann Shields of Tujunga, CA., nieces Kacie E. and Kristin P. Emmett, Cousins Gary Modick, Richard and Paul Shields, John (Kathy), Emily Carter, Mary Carter, his best friend Jim Fridell and garage party bud Bonnie Larsen, all his friends at Mueller’s and the Elks.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law, Hal Olson (12/22), and golfing buddy Ed Herman.
Mike has been cremated under the care and direction of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home and no formal services will be held. Mike’s ashes will be spread this summer at his favorite fishing hole, Lake Francis in Valier, Montana alongside his brother-in-law.
