Services
Obituary
Arnold “Arnie” D. Shaw, 77, of Meservey, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.
Funeral services for Arnold Shaw will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Thornton United Methodist Church, 404 Maple Street in Thornton, with Pastor Deb Devine officiating. Burial will take place at the Meservey Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Thornton United Methodist Church, 404 Maple Street in Thornton, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.
Arnold Dean Shaw, the son of Wayne and Ardis (Janssen) Shaw, was born on March 10, 1949. He was raised on a farm between Thornton and Meservey and graduated from Meservey-Thornton High School in 1967.
Following graduation, Arnie enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served overseas during the Vietnam War with the 101st Airborne “Screaming Eagles.” While serving his country, he was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged on November 12, 1970.
On November 3, 1973, Arnie was united in marriage to Doreen Taylor at Richland Lutheran Church in Thornton. Together, they built a life in Meservey, where they raised their two daughters and remained deeply rooted in the community that meant so much to them. Arnie worked delivering LP and was known for his dependable nature and friendly demeanor.
Arnie had a strong sense of service and took great pride in giving back. He served as a volunteer firefighter, spent over 40 years lighting the Meservey fireworks, and in recent years could still be found helping with snow removal. He was also a dedicated member of the American Legion.
He treasured time spent with his family, especially camping trips and visits to Leech Lake. Arnie enjoyed playing cards and cribbage with Kenny, relaxing in his chair watching Westerns and Fox News, his visits with Mike and trying his luck with the lottery and at the casino. Of all the things he considered himself lucky for, nothing compared to his grandchildren, whom he loved deeply and was so proud of.
Arnie will be remembered as a gentle soul with a heart of gold, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his daughter Nikki(Jay) Thompson of Decorah and their children Tyler and Dylin; daughter Krista(Joey) Dickman of Meservey and their children Breckyn and Brylee; brother Kenny (Linda) Shaw; sister Lucinda (Dave) Zieman; brothers-in-law Scott (Mary) Darnell and Shane Darnell; lifelong friends Mike (Pam) Gobeli along with extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Doreen Shaw, daughter Stacy Renae Shaw, sister Bertha Shaw, nephew Chad Shaw, mother-in-law Ferne Darnell, brother-in-law Fred Taylor.