Martin Walter "Marty" Shields' Obituary
Mr. Martin Walter “Marty” Shields, age 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at his home in Laketon Township, Michigan. He was born in Saginaw, Michigan on January 1, 1936 to Martin H. and Marion (Coleman) Shields. Marty married the former Ella M. “Lolly” Fenner on May 19, 1956, and they enjoyed 45 years of marriage prior to her passing in 2002.
Marty spent his career as a pattern maker in the Muskegon area, retiring from Anderson Pattern in 1997 after 42 years of service. He was a true family man. His children will recount any number of trips camping, fishing, hunting, canoeing and much more. While the kids were young, he worked days so that his evenings and weekends could be spent with his family. After the kids were older, he voluntarily switched to second shift so a union member with a younger family could have the more family-friendly work shift. He took his family on several extended summer vacations, including California, Alaska, Mexico, Florida and visiting many National Parks. The wonderful, funny, goofy, and even a few scary moments are memories that we will always have. Thanks Dad!
When the kids were grown, Marty and Lolly built a new home. The year was 1980 and they were “green” before green was cool. Along with his sons, he built an environmentally friendly timber frame house. He remained a staunch supporter of the environment. Within the last few years, he added a large array of solar panels to this house because “it’s the right thing to do”.
From start to finish, Marty was proud of his Irish heritage. Following retirement, he and Lolly, along with his sister Ruth and her husband, Bob, traveled to Ireland for a once in a lifetime trip. In fact, when the grandkids were young, there were Irish Egg Hunts for St. Patrick’s Day like other families hunt Easter eggs. It was an extra special child who found an egg with a golden coin.
After losing his wife, Lolly, in 2002, and after a few lonely years, Marty met Delores “Dee” DeBoef who became his loving companion for the next 15 years. Dee passed in 2020. In addition to losing Lolly and Dee, Marty was preceded in death by his parents; eldest son, Mark Shields; and sister, Ruth Rowson. He is survived by three children, David (Debra) Shields, Kathy (Randy) Craig, and Tim (Kari) Shields; 10 grandchildren, Marcie, Katie, Matthew, Jeremy, Patrick, Michael, Steven, Danny, David, and Kailea; and six great-grandchildren.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 AM Friday, February 21, 2025 at First Lutheran Church, 1206 Whitehall Road, Muskegon, MI 49445. VISITATION with his family will be one hour prior to his service. MEMORIALS in his memory may be directed to First Lutheran Church. You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
What’s your fondest memory of Martin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Martin?
Share a story where Martin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Martin you’ll never forget.
How did Martin make you smile?
