Dale Shields Obituary

Dale A. Shields, age 86, of Hillsdale, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Memory Lane Assisted Living in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He was born September 18, 1938, in Muskegon, to Kenneth and Dorothy (Godman) Shields. Dale married Nancy Anne Nelligan on July 20, 1958, and she preceded him in death on November 11, 2023.

Dale attended Litchfield Schools and graduated from Hillsdale High School. Dale served his country in the United States Naval Reserves from 1956-1958. He also took college courses at Hillsdale College before he began his nearly 30-year career with the United States Postal Service working as a mail carrier in Hillsdale. Dale was a life-member and past exalted ruler of the Hillsdale Elks Lodge Post 1575. Together with his wife, Nancy, Dale enjoyed knitting, spending 22 years wintering in Texas, Arizona, and Florida, and traveling with their grandchildren. Dale was an avid collector of Coke memorabilia and dearly loved his dog, Molly.

Survivors include three daughters, Robin (John) Spiteri of Hillsdale, Lori (Scott) Jackson of Hillsdale, and Monica Shields of Maumee, Ohio; four grandchildren, Elizabeth (Matt) Carpenter, Sarah (Matt Fee) Jackson, Adrianna (Daniel) Spiteri-Dew, and Derek (Mary Margaret) Spiteri; ten great-grandchildren, Piper, Tatum, Camden, Blake, Dominic, Bruno, Henrietta, Marco, Nellianne, and Nicolai; and one niece, Denise Baker.

In addition to his wife of 65 years, Nancy Shields, Dale was preceded in death by his parents; one half-sister, Barbara (Colin) Wainwright; one stepbrother, Jack (Sue) Pulling; and two nieces, Debbie, and Sheree.

A graveside service with military honors for Dale Shields will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. at Allen Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home in Hillsdale.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hillsdale Elks Lodge Scholarship Fund.