Louise "Lou" M. Shields

Louise "Lou" M. Shields, age 82, of Lincoln, Nebraska passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Lou was born in Kearney, Nebraska on May 17, 1942 to Cyrus and Martha (Petit) Sickler. She married Gale Shields on September 11, 1960 and they were blessed with three children.

Together Gale and Lou created and operated several businesses including Gateway Western and several Antique Malls. They were instrumental in launching the revitalization of Lincoln's Historic Haymarket District. In the 1970's they purchased a large piece of land on the Platte River (north of Bellwood, NE) which quickly became a family gathering place for decades including several family reunions attended by over 100 relatives each summer. In the 1990's they purchased the hotel from the set of "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar" and relocated it from Loma, NE to their property in Bellwood which expanded their ability to host large gatherings.

After Gale's passing, Lou enjoyed a second chapter with J. Walker where the two eventually relocated to Mesa, AZ after several years of being snowbirds. After J.'s passing, Lou experienced life-changing strokes and returned to Lincoln, NE to The Knoll's Senior Living Community. It was here where she was blessed with another love story with Spencer Peterson.

Lou always made everyone feel welcome at the numerous holidays and gatherings she hosted throughout her entire life. She loved being with family and friends and had many nieces and nephews who provided her much joy and pride.

She is survived by her daughters, Lori Pedersen of Lincoln, NE, Monica "Miki" (Severn) Edwards of Medina, OH, her son, Anthony (Simone) Shields of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren, Heather (Forest) Clemmons, Grant Shields, Mariah Edwards, Caitlyn Edwards, Cassidy Edwards, and Ian Shields; great-grandchildren, Saryah Briscoe Freeman, Izaiah Freeman, TJ Kprazeon, Anna Shields, Cameron Shields; and sister, Twila Plant.

Preceded in death by husband Gale Shields and partner J. Walker; her parents, Cyrus and Martha Sickler; father-in-law Charlie Shields and mother-in-law, Frances Shields; brothers Dale Sickler, Wayne Sickler and William Sickler; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bethina and Charles Shields, Jesse and Norma Shields and Betty Sickler.