Calvin Shindoll

Calvin James Shindoll, 92, of Waukon, IA, passed away peacefully March 4, 2017 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon to be with his "best girl", wife Margaret, who preceded him death in 2011. Remembrance services will be held on Friday, March 10, 2017, at 11:00 am at Zion United Church of Christ, Waukon, with Pastor Samantha Houser officiating.  Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Visitation with family in celebration of his life will be at Martin Funeral Home on Thursday, March 9th, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.

Calvin was born September 4, 1924, the son of Aaron and Mary (Siekmeier) Shindoll. He attended Jefferson #3 rural school and graduated from Waukon High School in 1942. He married the love of his life, Margaret Winter, on February 18, 1948 and together they enjoyed a lifetime of working their farm and raising their family in rural Allamakee County. He also worked for many years as a mechanic and driver for Burg Implement and Waukon Implement (John Deere). In addition, he drove for A.J. Auto, Waukon, and owned and operated his own tractor repair business, Shindoll Tractor Repair, for several years.

Calvin loved farming and endured the ups and downs that went with it. He savored the smell of the earth's soil, the satisfaction of growing crops and food for his family, and patiently put up with the never-ending surprises that went with raising cattle, hogs, turkeys, and chickens. He was inquisitive by nature, resulting in a lifetime quest for continuing knowledge and "tinkering" to figure out what made things work and how to fix them when they broke. His family always came first and he was always there for them, sharing his common sense and wisdom, as well as his stubbornness at times. He was a strong and positive role model for his children, grandchildren, step–grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His infamous "gasoline contracts" he had with his grandchildren to enjoy their minibike experiences was one of his ways of teaching them responsibility, knowing full well the monetary debt would never be repaid and wanting only to be repaid with love. Great-grandchildren were spoiled discreetly as well as openly at times, which mostly involved candy from his pocket when their parents weren't around. His quiet and unassuming nature, mixed with his sense of humor and ability to share wonderful stories of his life's experiences, will be remembered by many who knew him. He had a strong heart, both physically and spiritually, and was the family's rock of strength in good times and bad.

He is survived by his devoted daughters: Janet Ellingson and Mary Jo (Tom Waters) Nordheim of Waukon, and Carol (Dick Martin) Intlekofer Martin of Cheyenne, WY; 6 grandchildren: Tom (Melinda) Intlekofer of Canada, John (Bethany) Ellingson of Waukon, Casey (Emilee) Intlekofer of Cheyenne, WY, Donna Ellingson of Waukon, Nick (Emily) Nordheim of Williamsburg, IA, and Shelby (Chris) Kamm of Dubuque, IA; 2 step-grandchildren: Levi (Janelle) Martin of Cheyenne, WY and Riley Martin of Casper, WY; 7 great-grandchildren: McKenzie Intlekofer, Cassy Carson, Madalyn, Annelise and Tate Ellingson, Kinley and Kellen Kamm, and Nash Nordheim; 4 step-great-grandchildren: Tanner, Bayleigh, Grayson, and Walker Martin; a sister Marian Cias of California; and a brother Arden (Lois) Shindoll of Cedar Rapids, IA; many nieces and nephews, close friends, and neighbors; his devoted dog Sadie; and his treasured wood burning stove.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife and best friend Margaret; a daughter Nancy Lea; a son James; a sister Esther Schubert; and a brother Ruben.

Casketbearers will be Calvin's 6 grandchildren and honorary casketbearers will be Dick Martin, Chris Kamm, Tom Waters, David Fiet, and Jim Klocke.