Ship shot his last duck! BANG! Wayne Shipman, 85 of Burlington passed away peacefully on January 7, 2019 surrounded by family and friends at Great River Hospice House.
Wayne was born in Wapello Iowa August 16th, 1933 son of Doris Elizabeth (Mohlie) Shipman and Wesley Clayton Shipman. He lived and farmed the majority of his life on the family farm in rural Oakville. He was welcomed to heaven by his parents, a brother Lester, all of his grandparents and many friends.
Wayne was a legend in his own right. He did not know a stranger. His wit and his humor allowed him to develop and cultivate relationships all over the world.
Wayne loved his family unconditionally. He was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His strength, values, and strong moral compass set an unwavering example for all.
He graduated from Oakville High School in 1952. Wayne served in the US Army primarily in Germany from 1954 to 1956 as a Corporal. His sense of community and his commitment to conservation led him to serve as Levee Commissioner for the Mississippi Levee District 16 for 30 plus years.
He was instrumental in preventing flood damage to Oakville and surrounding areas on numerous occasions. His passion and dedication was evident in the flood of 1993 when he worked endlessly to serve and protect his family, friends, neighbors and their properties. Wayne’s passion for duck hunting and conservation resulted in his service and leadership in Ducks Unlimited.
He joined Ducks Unlimited in 1972 and remained a member for the rest of his life. During his time in Ducks Unlimited he founded Southeast Iowa Chapter and helped to establish 7 other DU Chapters in the area. Wayne served as a committeeman, Sponsor, Life Sponsor, Area Vice-Chairman, Area Chairman, National Trustee, Trustee Emeriti and served on the State Executive Board for many years.
Wayne and his wife Janet ‘Charlie’ attended a multitude of Iowa and Illinois State Conventions and had missed very few National Conventions since his first in 1975. Wayne was presented the Jay Neubauer Distinguished Service Award from DU in 2001. Because of his outgoing personality, humor, and wit he was one of the most widely recognized ambassadors in the country for Iowa DU.
It is believed he continues to hold the record for Iowa Ducks Unlimited for attendance at both State and National Conventions. He obtained a private pilot license in 1971 and served on the Board of Directors for the State Bank of Wapello for nearly 30 years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Oakville and the American Legion Post 489 in Oakville.
Wayne married Janet Lee Gerst on August 19, 1956. He is survived by his wife Janet, his brother Donn (Marylu) Shipman of Blackwell Oklahoma, his sister Vernette (Richard) Whitaker of Sperry, his 4 children Tamara Shipman (Bob Decker) of Mediapolis, David Shipman (Dawn) of Oakville, Tara Poggemiller (Steve) of Burlington, and Jana Lee Poe (Rich) of Galesburg, Illinois, his grandchildren Jaymi Putnam, Josey (Geo) Lomeli, Jake Poggemiller (Paige Coffman), Clay Poggemiller, Kelsey Shipman, Hattie Shipman, Dalton Shipman, Ali Orr, Eli Poe, Isaac Poe, Maggie Poe, and great grandson Gray Wayne Lomeli. Wayne and Janet also welcomed 7 step grandchildren and 8 step great grandchildren into their hearts and home along with countless nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog, Stella.
The funeral ceremony for Wayne Shipman will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 111, 2019, at the United Methodist Church in Oakville with Pastor Dean Graber and Rev. Carl Benge officiating. Burial will follow at the Wapello Cemetery with military rites by the Oakville American Legion Post 489.
A lunch gathering will follow at the Oakville Community Building. The family will meet friends from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday at the United Methodist Church in Oakville. A memorial has been established for Great River Home Health Care and Great River Hospice.
The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude for the care, love, and support of the staff who cared for Wayne and all of us in his final journey.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
