Walter John Shimkus
Gainesville, MO

Walter John Shimkus, 85, of Gainesville, MO passed to heaven on June 17, 2011 at his residence with his family by his side. He was born April 17, 1926 in Maywood, IL to Frank and Anna (Karkowski) Shimkus.

Walter was a veteran having proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II. On April 30, 1949 he was united in marriage to Leatrice Cady and to this union five children were born. Walter worked for over 30 years as a machinist at American Can Company in Maywood, IL. After retirement, Walter and Leatrice moved to the Ozarks in the mid 1970's. They enjoyed traveling and camping. Walter liked collecting guns, watching TV and spending time with his family. He was a fun loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.


Walter was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Anna Shimkus; and his wife Leatrice Shimkus in December of 2008. He is survived by his five children Laura Rohlfs and husband Steve of Gainesville, MO, Ruth Kelley and husband Bob of Gainesville, MO, James Shimkus and wife Colleen of Las Vegas, NV, Michael Shimkus of Gainesville, MO and Elaine Eaton of Gassville, AR; grandchildren Annette Edwards, Paul Shimkus and wife Candace, Shanna Spoon and husband J.J., Aaron and Heath Shimkus, Taran and Emily Eaton; great grandchildren Nikki, Kevin and Michelle Jackson, Rachel and Mikaela Montes, Alyssa, Devon and Jayden Spoon; great-great grandchildren Alexis Shaw, Paxton Willis and Laila Jackson.


Funeral services for Walter will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 5 pm in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home Chapel, Gainesville, MO. Visitation will be Thursday afternoon from 3-5 pm in the funeral home. Burial will be private. On line condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.