Mike Sheer

Michael Calvin, son of Stephen Howard and Cheryl Ann (Rich) Sheer, was born December 15, 1966 in Burlington. He lived with his family on a farm near Bayard and attended Bayard Schools graduating with the Class of 1985. While in high school, Mike participated in all sports and was on the football team that went to state. He was an active member of 4-H. Following high school Mike completed the agriculture curriculum at Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg. He returned to the Bayard area and farmed with this grandfather Howard Sheer and his dad.

On January 7, 1989 Mike was united in marriage with Patricia ‘Tricia’ Emswiler in Jefferson. They were the parents of three daughters, the loves of his life. They lived south of Jefferson on his grandfather’s farm and continued to farm and most recently also worked for the Union Pacific Railroad. While his girls were growing up, Mike coached all of their sports. A highlight was working with the third grade ‘Little Cru’ team, especially when they beat the older girls. He helped his girls and any other child who needed help with their animals in their FFA and 4-H projects. He was named an honorary FFA member for all his involvement over the years. Participating in their dance recital was a very special time for his daughters. His three girls and his ‘Little Flower’ were the center of his world.

In his spare time, Mike enjoyed deer and coon hunting, fishing and tubing. His daughters were involved in all of these activities. He particularly enjoyed the fishing trips to Canada with his dad. He was an Iowa State Cyclone fan, watching games at Jerry Burkhart’s. In summary, Mike was a friend to everyone and enjoyed being around friends and family. Recently, he and his wife moved to the farm north of Bayard after his parents retired and moved to Jefferson.

Mike suffered a heart attack and received a stent early in April. He returned home and felt like the ‘Energizer Bunny’. However, that did not last and he died unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep early Thursday, April 10, at the age of 47 years old.

Preceding Mike in death are his grandparents Howard and Betty Sheer and Clarence ‘Bud’ and Betta Rich; grandmother in law Evelyn Gibson and his cousin Morgan (Sheer) Maurath.

He is survived by his wife Tricia Sheer of Bayard; three daughters: Gentry Sheer (Terrance Lowe) of Ames; Dakota Sheer (Ronnell ‘KB’ Ross) of St. Paul, MN; and Rachel Sheer (Fred Horstman) of Omaha, NE; two grandchildren Rameerha ‘Mushi’  and Askia ‘Bam-Bam’ Ross; parents Stephen and Cheryl Sheer of Jefferson; sister Karen Gotto of Carroll; and mother-in-law Marilyn Burnett of Missouri Valley; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.  

Casket bearers are Paul Lemke, Mike McClelland, David Skalla, Mary Schwaller, Josh Bock, Marty Davis Michael Buttry and Roger Klocksiem.

Ohde Funeral Home 108 1st Street in Manning, 712-655-3416, ohdefuneralhome.com