NEW HAMPTON — Terrance “Terry” Riley Shannon, 75, of New Hampton, died October 10, 2026, at The Highlands in Decorah, leaving a life story that stretched from Army service in Vietnam to a familiar postal route and a hometown Irish pub. Along the way, he and his wife, Vonnie, shared 55 years of marriage and raised two daughters.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 13, 2026, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory, 101 W. Main St., in New Hampton, with Deacon Vic DeSloover presiding.
Friends may greet the family from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 12, at the funeral home. Visitation will continue there Friday beginning at 10:00 a.m., one hour before the service.
Terry was born October 24, 1950, in New Hampton, the son of Paul and Frances (Riley) Shannon. He spent his early childhood in Elma before his family moved to New Hampton in 1957.
He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School through eighth grade and graduated from New Hampton High School in 1967 at just 16. His academic ability had allowed him to skip a grade.
After graduation, Terry worked locally until he was old enough to enlist in the United States Army. On June 19, 1969, he and six friends left for basic training. All seven returned home from their military service.
Terry spent a year in Germany before requesting an assignment in Vietnam. Years later, when his wife asked why he had volunteered for that assignment, he explained that history was unfolding and he believed he should be part of it. His military service included the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal.
On September 18, 1971, Terry married LaVonne “Vonnie” Kramer. Soon afterward, he received an early Army discharge to continue his education. The couple lived in Rochester, Minnesota, for two years while he attended Rochester Junior College.
Back in New Hampton, Terry worked at Sara Lee before beginning his career as a city mail carrier with the United States Postal Service. He remained in that role until retiring in December 2007.
Before retirement, he also pursued a longtime ambition: owning a bar. He bought a New Hampton establishment and named it McShanny’s Irish Pub, putting his own stamp on a gathering place in the community where he had spent most of his life.
His family includes his wife, Vonnie, of New Hampton; daughters Tori (Jeff) Ulrichs of Waukee and Gina (Grant) Stoughton of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and grandchildren Keegan (Makenzie) Ulrichs and Griffin Stoughton.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Frances Shannon; his brother, Tom Shannon; his grandson, Caleb Ulrichs; and his in-laws, James and Rosie Kramer.
Family and friends may share memories, offer condolences and read Terry’s obituary through Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory.
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