MASON CITY — Shielah Ann Handt, 93, of Mason City, died Friday, August 14, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 19, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mason City, with visitation preceding the service. Shielah was laid to rest at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery in Mason City.
Shielah was born January 8, 1933, in Robertson, Iowa, the youngest of three children born to John Wendell and Ann Lepola Bird. She attended schools in Minneapolis and Bakersfield, California.
She met Willis Handt while they were junior high students. The two graduated together from Charles City High School in 1951 and married the following year.
After Willis completed his service in the United States Air Force, the couple made their home in Mason City. They raised two children, Sandy and Brad, and cherished time spent with their three grandchildren.
Faith remained central to Shielah throughout her life. She was a devoted member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church during all her years in Mason City. She sang in the church choir, taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, and coordinated funeral meals and other arrangements for many years.
Shielah also served with the church’s Altar Guild, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and Sarah Circle. Her willingness to lead and help wherever needed made her an important part of the congregation.
During her working years, Shielah was a telephone company operator, office manager at Elmwood Cemetery and an Avon representative.
She also played a memorable role in Mason City history when she rode atop the wedding float during the North Iowa Band Festival held the year “The Music Man” movie premiered in the city.
Shielah gave generously to the broader community. She volunteered with Hospice and Crisis Intervention Service, donated blood and participated in Mason City Schools as a reading buddy and student pen pal.
Traveling and attending reunions with relatives and lifelong friends brought her great happiness. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula held a special place in her heart, and she made annual trips there for as long as her health allowed.
Shielah enjoyed books, music and cups of tea. Her collections included lighthouses, birdhouses and rocks.
Survivors include her daughter, Sandra and Ken Kline; her son, Brad and Connie Handt; three grandchildren; special nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by Willis, her husband of more than 73 years, in December 2025; her parents; her brother; and her sisters.
Rather than flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
MAJOR ERICKSON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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