A memorial service for George H. Shadle, 87, of Estherville will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Henry-Olson Funeral Home in Estherville with Pastor Dan Winkowitsch officiating. George passed away on June 11, 2026, after a two-year battle with chronic lung disease.
Visitation will be held from 12-2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with a reception from 3-5 p.m. at VFW Post #3388, Estherville.
George Howard Shadle, son of Francis and Freda (Young) Shadle, was born on October 10, 1938, in Estherville.
George graduated from Estherville High School in 1956. He attended the University of Iowa, where he earned his bachelor’s degree before continuing on to receive his JD in law. While at the university, he was also a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
On December 30, 1958, George married his high school sweetheart, Judy Jensen. Together they built a loving family and were blessed with two children, Randy and Susan.
While attending the University of Iowa, George joined the Army ROTC. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1964 with the rank of First Lieutenant and later served four years in the Iowa National Guard.
George devoted his professional life to banking and insurance. Over the years, he worked with Iowa Trust & Savings Bank, McFadden, Lund, Shadle Insurance Agency, and later Northstar Bank and Insurance Agency. He retired in 2008 after a long and respected career.
A passionate advocate for his community, George was deeply involved in the growth and success of Estherville. He served many civic organizations, clubs, and committees, often as an officer or board member, including EIDC, Rotary International, the Estherville Golf and Country Club, Holy Family/Avera Hospital, the Estherville Public Library, and the Estherville Winter Sports Festival. He also served more than 20 years on the board of Iowa Lakes Community College, where he was a strong advocate for higher education and community college programs.
George treasured time with family and friends. His grandchildren brought him immense joy and pride. Always active and energetic, he enjoyed golfing, boating, and working out at the rec center. In earlier years, he especially enjoyed jogging and skiing. A devoted Hawkeye fan, George rarely missed a sporting event and was always proud of the black and gold of the University of Iowa. He was an avid reader who also loved music and travel.
George was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and treasurer. He also enjoyed serving as liturgist and singing in the choir.
George and Judy especially loved spending time at the lake with family and friends. Watching sunsets over Okoboji was one of his favorite pastimes.
Left to cherish George’s memory are his wife of 67 years, Judy Shadle; his children, Randy (Sue) Shadle and Susan Oster; his grandchildren, Jensen and Gabrielle Shadle, Nathan Oster, and Morgan (Erik) Kupraitis; and his brother, Mark Shadle.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Stephen.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the American Lung Association, First Presbyterian Church of Estherville, or Iowa Lakes Community College Foundation.
Online condolences may be left for George’s family at HenryOlsonFuneral.com.
