Jack’s mass of Christian burial was at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic church, Lovilia, Iowa. Officiating was Father Patrick Lumsden. Music was furnished by Julie Bettis. Pallbearers were: Bill Slofkosky, Ross Shelford, Mark Murphy, Zeke Murphy, Bill Murray, and Austin Peterson. Memorials were directed to Hospice of Monroe County. Military rites after mass were led by American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose. Jack will be cremated and burial will be at a later date.
Jack Dale Shelford was born September 7, 1932 in Melcher, Iowa to Rube and Minnie (Lemonds) Shelford.
Jack was a graduate of Lovilia High School. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1952. He was a Prison Guard at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and also a dog trainer at Fort Carson, Colorado.
His marriage in 1952 to Doris Baker was blessed with four boys: Steve, Greg, Tony, and Michael.
Jack worked for John Morrells meat packing company for 22 years and then worked for Albia Rural electric until he retired in 1984.
He married Donna Slofkosky in 1981. Jack was a member of the Catholic Church in Lovilia, the American Legion in Albia, and he was an avid mushroom hunter, fisherman, and hunter.
He is survived by his wife Donna of Lovilia. And his son Greg of Knoxville as well as Greg’s wife and their children KayLee and Ross. He is also survived by his stepchildren, his brother Don of Lovilia, and many step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, children: Steve, Tony, and Michael, brother Dean Shelford, and sister Joan Loncarich.
May you now rest in eternal peace, Jack
Martha Sweem Retires as Lovilia Post Mistress
Last Friday was Martha’s last day to serve at the Lovilia office. She had worked faithfully there serving the customers for 23 years. She was always helpful to answer questions and did an efficient job.
I always liked to see what the stamp choices were so she would have to dig out five or six choices for me so I could pick the new cool stamps. She very patiently did that for me the “picky” person who found the flag stamp fine but I wanted something new.
S he would say,” Could you tell that company/ person that your address is a PO Box not a street address, please?” I can understand that would speed sorting time.
Some of us would talk her leg off since she was a captive audience. We didn’t have to buy a beer at the tavern or pay a counselor so we benefited and she patiently put up with us. Her advice was always encouraging.
Martha, we wish you a relaxing and healthy retirement. Don’t forget us! We won’t forget you.