Earl A. Shook

Earl Shook, 88, of Dakota Dunes, SD, formerly of South Sioux City, NE died on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at his home with Dona, his beloved wife of 65 years by his side.Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at First Lutheran Church in South Sioux City, NE with Rev. Gary Panko officiating and military rites conducted by the U.S. Naval Reserve. Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M., with the family present at 6:00 P.M. and a prayer service at 7:00 P.M., followed by Masonic rites on Monday, October 3, 2016 at the Mohr Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE.Earl was born on April 2, 1928 on the Ray Kayl farmstead near Martinsburg, NE, the son of Thomas and Frances (Jones) Shook. He graduated from South Sioux City High School in May, 1946. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy immediately following graduation. After leaving the Navy, Earl worked for the U.S. Post Office and then pursued a degree in business at the National Business School at Illinois State. He also worked for Sioux Lines Bus and then 25 years for the Federal Department USDA, retiring in 1989.On September 22, 1951 he married the love of his life, Dona Kelly, of South Sioux City, NE. To this union three daughters were born, Suzanne (Gregg) Stinson of Colorado Springs, CO; Julie (John) Sandman and Pam (Rich) Jochum, both of Dakota Dunes, SD.Earl and Dona enjoyed traveling with the "girls" all over the country. Earl loved history and tried to teach them the importance of knowing their country. Earl and Dona wintered in Mercedes, TX for 13 years and enjoyed all their many friends.Earl was an active member of First Lutheran Church and involved with the Food Bank. He was also a member of the South Sioux City American Legion Post 307, Masonic Lodge #5 and Morningside Rose Croix Eastern Star.Survivors include his wife; 3 daughters; 10 grandchildren, Eric (Brittney) Stinson, Beth Stinson, Aimee (Joe) Beckner, Sara (Bart) Gunderson, Kristy Sandman, Tom (Lindsey) Sandman, Matt (Kasey) Sandman, Aaron (Kelli) Sandman, Andrew Jochum and Jared Jochum. He also had 7 great-grandchildren and one on the way; and one great-great grandson.Earl was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lloyd (Ellen) Shook; sister, Opal (Frank) Ryan and great-grandson, Brody Sandman.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to Noah's Hope and the Sioux City Humane Society.