Fay D. Shalla

Fay Dennis Shalla passed away on June 8, 2020 at home surrounded by his family. He was 82 years old. Fay, son of Ed and Ann (Beran) Shalla, was born on August 12, 1937 in Odell, Nebraska. He graduated Odell High School in 1955 and moved to Lincoln where he worked as a fireman.

After serving in the military in Korea, Fay returned and married Sharol McDaniel. Fay used the GI bill to attend Metropolitan College in Denver, CO and received his BA in History in 1971. After graduation, Fay spent time as a teacher before starting his carrier as a public servant working first for the Nebraska State Government and then moving on to work for the Federal Government. At retirement Fay was OIC for the US Food and Nutrition Services in Helena, MT.

A lover of life, Fay had an adventurous spirit and was a life-long learner. He enjoyed reading and travel and the great outdoors. He enjoyed living in Montana and taking advantage of the opportunities to fish and hunt. He also loved to travel and enjoyed his motorcycle trips across the US and later his trips to Europe and Egypt. He was an avid reader and storyteller and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoyed his stories.

Fay will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife, Sharol Shalla; daughters Stacie Benjamin (Bill Benjamin) of Fairbury, NE and Kristi Shalla (Domingo Gonzalez) of Barcelona, Spain; grandchildren Brian Benjamin (Tiffanie), William Benjamin and Alex Gonzalez Shalla; great-grandchildren Matthew, LeeAnna and Shelbi; and brother Guy Shalla (LaDonna) of Fairbury. He was preceded in death by son Matthew James Shalla and his parents.

A Celebrarion of Life Service will be Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the Community Building in Odell.  Memorials have been established to the Odell Library.