George Edward Shields a U.S. Navy Veteran
Born June 4, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois.
Died: May 5, 2021 in Rockford, Illinois

Preceded in death by his parents, George Shields and Lucille (Smith) Shields and a brother, William Shields.

Survived by his loving wife of over 54 years, Janyce Anne Shields (Mutnansky); children, Catherine Shields, Mary Shields (Eugene Knudsen), Anne Elgar (Kirk); grandchildren, Branden Elgar, Kyle Knudsen, Kelly Knudsen; Siblings Louis Shields and Jane Vigil as well as many extended family and friends.

George graduated from Blue Island High School, Class of 1957. He attended the University of Illinois Institute of Aviation at Urbana-Champaign as an Evans Scholar where he earned his A & P (Airframe & Powerplant) Aircraft Mechanics License.

He started his career in the airline industry as a ticket agent for American Airlines.

He entered the US Navy where he served on Active Duty- Mediterranean Cruise on the U.S.S. Sabine, with his last duty assignment on the U.S.S. Canberra CAG2. After the Navy, he worked for Crane Company in Chicago as an order correspondent, where he met his future bride in 1965. George and Janyce were married on January 21, 1967 at Queen of Martyrs Church, Evergreen Park, Illinois.

George started working for TWA as an Aircraft Mechanic in 1968 at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois.

In 1974, the family moved to Marengo, Illinois. He was transferred to St. Louis Lambert International Airport in 1981. He commuted until the family moved to Highland, Illinois in 1987.

At TWA, George worked the line. He especially enjoyed engine changes and taxiing aircraft. Later in his career, he worked as a Crew Chief. TWA was acquired by American Airlines where he worked as a Coordinating Crew Chief until he retired in December, 2004.

In 2006, George and Janyce moved to Belvidere, Illinois to be closer to family.

George enjoyed fishing, especially at Lake Wisconsin, golfing and reading books about aircraft.

Over the years, George and Janyce enjoyed many trips. Some of their fondest memories were from going to Disney World with family and visiting lifelong friends Larry and Carol in Anchorage, Alaska. They also enjoyed yearly TWA picnics and luncheons with the TWA Seniors Club.

Visitation will be held at The Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 Bull Valley Road, McHenry, Illinois on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 from 2-3 pm. Funeral Mass will be at 3 pm. Burial will follow at The Church of Holy Apostles Cemetery. The funeral mass will be livestreamed on www.tcoha.org.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in his name to The Church of Holy Apostles, McHenry, Illinois.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Justen Funeral Home & Crematory in McHenry, Illinois. For information, please call the funeral home at 815-385-2400 or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends and loved ones may share memories of George on his tribute wall.