Arley L. Sheckles, 82, of rural DeWitt, Iowa, passed away Monday, September 5, 2022, in his home, following a prolonged illness.
Arley was born April 6, 1940, to Ralph A. and Hazel (Ortery) Sheckles in Osco, Illinois. After graduating from high school in Taylor, Wisconsin, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and later the National Guard. Arley married Lynne Koller at Osceola, Iowa on March 28, 1966. Together they raised 6 children on a farm northwest of DeWitt. Arley worked 18 years for Oscar Mayer, owned and operated Farmer’s Meat Market in Davenport, drove semi for Passig Trucking, and hobby-farmed throughout his life.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Eugene McManus American Legion Post #238, DeWitt, East Central Iowa Beagle Club, and the Jackson County Horseman’s Association. Arley was very proud to have won the 4-Up Mule Hitch at the Iowa State Fair 5 years in a row. He enjoyed training horses and dogs, as well as hunting and the outdoors.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lynne; children, Cynthia Luster, Harpers Ferry, Fred (Karen) Ortery, Bloomington, Illinois, Sarah Clark, DeWitt, Monty (Julie) Sheckles, Dubuque, Tony (Lynda) Sheckles, Maquoketa, Jay (Nichole) Sheckles, Camargo, Illinois; 13 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren; sisters, Connie Walker and Alice (Paul) Schlup; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Ralph Jr., Leona Springer, Karen Hansen, and sons-in-law, Chris Luster and Joe Clark.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Friday, September 9, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt. A Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 p.m. in the church, the Rev. Fr. Stephen Page officiating. Burial will be at Oakview Cemetery in Welton.
Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Arley L. Sheckles, please visit our floral store.