Shielah A. Handt

Shielah Ann Handt, 93, of Mason City, passed away on Friday, August 14, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 419 N Delaware Ave. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service time. Burial will be held in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

To watch Shielah's service live, click here: Funeral Service of Shielah A. Handt.

Shielah was born January 8, 1933, in Robertson, Iowa, to John Wendell and Ann (Lepola) Bird, the youngest of their three children. She attended schools in Minneapolis MN and Bakersfield CA. She met Willis Handt in junior high, they graduated together from Charles City High School in 1951, and were married in 1952.

After Willis’ honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force, they settled in Mason City. Willie and Shielah were blessed with two children, Sandy and Brad, and three loving and dearly-loved grandchildren. The family enjoyed many special times together. Michigan’s UP, the Upper Peninsula, was always close in Shielah’s heart. She looked forward to annual trips there for as long as her health allowed.

Shielah relied on our Lord, and was a faithful member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church for all her years in Mason City. She sang in choir, and enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was a leader, coordinating funerals for many years, and helping with countless other activities. Shielah treasured her time with Altar Guild, as well as her LWML and Sarah Circle sisters-in-Christ.

She had been employed as an operator at the phone company, as office manager at Elmwood Cemetery, and she was an “Avon Lady.” Shielah rode on top of the wedding float during Band Festival the year “The Music Man” movie premiered in Mason City! She volunteered with Hospice, Crisis Intervention Service, and was a blood donor. She was a reading buddy and pen pal with students in Mason City Schools. She enjoyed traveling and reunions with family and life-long friends. Shielah collected lighthouses, birdhouses, and rocks! She loved books, music, and always enjoyed a “cuppa” tea.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to all those who cared for Shielah throughout her life.

Shielah is survived by her daughter Sandra (Ken) Kline; son Brad (Connie) Handt; her dear grandchildren; special nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Willis in December 2025; her parents, brother, and sisters.

Now Shielah is alive in Christ forever!