Bishop GA - Dubuque native Joseph Raymond Sheldon, 91, beloved husband, father, grandfather & friend, went home to be with the Lord on Sep. 2, 2024.

Born on Jan. 30, 1933, Joe was a quiet, humble man with a heart full of love for his family. Joe’s teachings on life continue to guide and inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. He instilled the importance of respecting the water by always wearing a life jacket whether he was in one foot of water or one hundred feet of water, as well as being an adept teacher of the fine art of fishing, with the same advice on every potential catch: "don't play 'em”! He knew the value of a dollar and the significance of planning & delivering memorable vacations with his family (including his bonus son Scott Svetly). For Joe, family came first, a value that will continue to resonate with all who knew him.

During his lifetime, Joe’s accomplishments were diverse. He raised two children that were his pride and joy and his 66 year-long marriage to Jane was a testament to commitment and love. His dedication to his country was evident through his service in the U.S. Air Force as a cryptologist from 1952 to 1956. His courageous spirit was evident when he took flying lessons and completed his solo flight in a Cessna 120. Further, in his service as a U.S. Sky Marshal in the 1970’s, he flew the skies to protect commercial aircraft from potential hijackers. Recognized by the U.S. Customs Service for his integral role in stopping shipments of banned electronics and other contraband to sanctioned nations, his contributions have left a lasting impact on the safety and security of his nation.

Joe bought two one-dollar lottery tickets each week and played his family’s birthdates on one ticket and random numbers on the other and always promised to share any winnings with his family. And though he never won big, if even he won just a little, he shared. When he was still able to travel, he enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and while he was never one to overspend, he relished the thrill of the “maybe”. Joe was also a talented musician who could play any keyboard or stringed instrument by ear and his melodies and rhythms will continue to echo in the hearts & minds of family and friends (especially the theme from "It's A Small World"). Joe’s appreciation for the simple joys of life and the importance of family will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Joe will be remembered for his humility and for not wanting to be the center of attention even when the occasion was for him. He will be remembered for how much he loved each of us in his own way and how important it is to be thankful for every blessing God provides. He will be deeply missed by his family and everyone whose lives he touched.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Joann Glantz Sheldon and Donald Raymond Sheldon, his sister Dona (Cletus) Meyer and brothers William (Eleanor) Sheldon, Richard (Namie) Sheldon, James (Linda) Sheldon, Thomas Sheldon and his son Michael Sheldon. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Jane (Bauer) Sheldon, devoted daughter, Traci (Ken) Thrasher, treasured daughter in law Kimberly (Mike) Sheldon, cherished grandchildren Christopher (Chandler) Shirkey, Michael (Heaven Evans) Sheldon, Brittany (Chad White) Will, Joshua (Taylar) Will, Carl (JuliAnn) Thrasher, Heather Real, Sarah Thrasher and eight dear great-grandchildren.

Deceased's funeral arrangements A funeral mass will be held on October 26, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Columbkille Catholic Church 1240 Rush Street, Dubuque IA, with a chapel service at 11 a.m. at the Ralph & Alice Mueller Memorial Chapel at Linwood Cemetery, 2736 Windsor Avenue, Dubuque IA. A luncheon will follow the chapel service.

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