Colleen A. Shaw

Colleen Ann Shaw, 92, of La Crosse, WI passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. Colleen is a native of Northwest Iowa, the daughter of Louise and Charles Wood. She grew up in Spencer, Iowa and graduated from Spencer High School. Her summers were spent at the family cottage on Lake Okoboji. During teenage years she was an active equestrian exhibiting her grand champion Three Gaited American Saddlebred throughout the United States at national horse shows.

Upon graduating from Iowa State University, she married her high school sweetheart Dr. James Shaw. They spent two years upon graduation at Ft. Detrick, Maryland where Dr. Shaw was serving with the U.S. Army Medical Veterinary Corps. They moved to Corning, Iowa where her husband established his veterinary practice. The family which now included children Michael and Kristi, loved the rolling hills and fertile land plus the wonderful school system.

Colleen was employed as a professional research home economist and educator. She was active in civic government serving as a member of the Corning City Council for 14 years. She chaired the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs and served terms on the Iowa State Board of Health, president of the Iowa Home Economics Association, Iowa Home Economist in Business, and a recipient of the SW Iowa Service Award from Iowa State University.

Following the death of her husband in 1986 she relocated to La Crosse, Wisconsin in 1999. Colleen again pursued her love of watercolor art upon the suggestion of her daughter, Kristi. The family enjoyed summer visits to the Bayfield, Wisconsin area by Lake Superior and Colleen continued to make an annual stay in Bayfield, often attending watercolor workshops in the area. She also enjoyed several international travel experiences. The many years spent on the golf course and time with friends and family were precious hours.

Colleen was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. James Shaw and daughter, Kristi Cadwell. Left to cherish her memories are her son, Michael (Priscilla) of Carmel, Indiana, son-in-law, Frank Cadwell of La Crescent, Minnesota, grandsons Bradford (Jessica) of Bismark, ND and James of Chattanooga, TN., brothers Charles Wood of Mequon, WI, and brother Greg Wood (Lola) of Greenville, Iowa, and she was very proud of her many nieces and nephews.

Colleen has always been very active within the P.E.O. Sisterhood and their scholarship programs. Memorials may be directed to: P.E.O. Chapter CR, 218 Zepher Circle, La Crosse WI 54601. Checks should be made to P.E.O. Chapter CR with a note to Collen Shaw Education.