Mike Shald

Michael Dan Shald (1939 – 2019)

Michael D. Shald, age 80, died on Friday, December 13, 2019, at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Mike was born on October 24, 1939, to Ferd and Gladys Shald in Gordon, Nebraska.

Mike’s impact on the people of the region was immeasurable. The following list attempts to offer a glimpse of the activities and qualities of this remarkable man.

Son, brother, uncle, cousin, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather. Friend to all. Cornhusker. Rancher, farmer, city-boy. Butcher, restaurateur, hotelier, grocer, chauffeur, salesman, manager. Fundraiser, fun-lover, hellraiser. Oglala Sioux Tribesman, Chamber of Commerce President, Centennial Chairman. Linguist and poet (Proud Of Our Past). Hunter, hunting guide, fisherman, golfer (poor). Pool shark (ask Bob Devaney). Fishing guide to the stars (ask Tom Osborne). High roller and holy roller. Cowboy and Indian. Saint and Sinner.

Legend tells that Mike was born in a tepee during a blizzard. His birth certificate says otherwise. Whatever the case, Mike was born in Gordon. Soon after, Mike became Gordon, and Gordon became Mike Shald.

Mike married Barb Hansen in 1964 in Gordon, Nebraska, and they lived happily ever after.

Mike had great difficulty distinguishing between family and friends, so, to be safe, he treated nearly everyone as family. He was a joy (for the most part) to his parents. He was an inspiration – and a consternation – to his siblings. He was a playmate to nephews, nieces, sons, grandsons, and all fellow children-at-heart.

Mike is survived by brother Pat; sisters Susan, Temple, and Kelly; sons Jeff, Scott (Nikki), and Brian; grandsons David (Sara), Reese, Keegan, Zach, Thomas, and Jacob; great-grandson Will; and many dear nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Ferdinand and Gladys; and sisters Peggy Harris, Doyle Bixby, Sharon Blair, and baby Nora.

Mike was summoned from us on December 13, 2019. Some say he died. Others say he is still selling Fair and Rodeo tickets in a distant land. Services were held on December 18, 2019, at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Gordon with the burial in the Gordon Cemetery, and, as Mike loved to say, ‘a good time was had by all’.

A memorial has been established and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, PO Box 366, Gordon, NE 69343