Daniel "Dan" M. Shinn

He was born on February 14, 1939 in Quincy, IL to Russell and Carolyn (Meserve) Shinn. He married Sara Ann Chinn on December 23, 1989 in East Peoria. She survives.

Dan is also survived by his first wife, Carol Shinn of Peoria, and his four daughters, Carolyn Shinn of St. Johns, FL, Christi Shinn and Colleen Shinn of Chicago, Cathy Shinn of Peoria; two grandchildren, Max and Madeline; and one sister, Roz Dickson of West Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Nancy Newton.

Dan graduated from the University of Iowa and went on to pursue a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Illinois State University. He was an educator at East Peoria High School and worked at the Regional Safe School as a special education and vocational teacher. He also worked for Peoria State Hospital and Zeller Mental Health Center as an activity therapist for over forty years. Nominated by students in 1989, he received the prestigious Golden Apple Award from the state of Illinois. He also received the Outstanding Vocational Special Needs Teacher of the Year in 1991. He had an admirable commitment and devotion for those with special needs and he touched countless lives during his years of service. On many occasions, we were reminded of his impact on the community through inspirational and heartfelt stories shared by former colleagues, students and patients.

In his youth, Dan sang with the Tucson Boys' Choir and was a dedicated Eagle Scout. Dan had many hobbies, but he especially loved golfing, attending musicals, organic gardening, fishing on Lake Michigan, traveling, and spending time with his precious family and ever-present Golden Retrievers. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and one of the most patriotic individuals you could ever know. Dan was a member of Bethany Missionary Church and loved attending services. Rarely would you find a weed in the parking lot or on the property as he spent countless hours tending to the church surroundings.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 3 p.m. at Remmert Funeral Home. Rev. Marvin Claassen will officiate. Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday also at the funeral home. To watch the Celebration of Life livestream to the following web address at 3p on Saturday. https://www.facebook.com/163414597011244 OR go the Remmert Funeral home website.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Missionary Church in East Peoria.

Online condolences may be made at www.remmertfuneralhome.com