MUSCATINE, Iowa – For more than 40 years, the sincere smile and encouraging words of George Shepley brightened the lives of many Muscatine residents.

His death on Feb. 11, 2009, at age 86 marked the end of his life, but his legacy of kindness and generosity endures.

George’s wife, Norma,  and children will hold a private memorial service with a private family burial.

George, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp, served during World War II in the South Pacific and Japan. He had orders to fight in the battle of Iwo Jima, but was held back when he developed an infection.

“If he had gone, he probably would have died there,” said George’s daughter, Gail Shepley Lande, 56, of Muscatine.

It was one of many life-altering events that shaped the life of a young Midwestern man who delighted in using his own success and good fortune to empower others.

George returned from the war to Joliet, Ill., and  Norma, whom he married in 1944 in Washington D.C. before his tour-of-duty began.

“My brother Richard was 20 months-old before my dad saw him for the first time,” said Lande.

George was working in a hardware store when Amos Anderson, president of Joliet’s Union National Bank and Trust, invited George to join him in the banking world.

That career path ultimately brought the Shepleys, their teenage sons Rick and Brian, and young daughters Gail and Nancy, to Muscatine in 1963 when George accepted the position of president of Muscatine Bank and Trust. Lande said her father developed a strong friendship with the bank’s owners, Shirley and Clarence Oberwortmann.

When the bank became First National Bank of Muscatine in 1966, George continued as president.

A lifelong friendship

Scott Ingstad, who succeeded George as president in 1990, was George’s paperboy when the two met in 1963.

When George learned Ingstad was interested in banking, he encouraged him and offered advice.

Ingstad pursued a career in banking and at one time was president of Community Bank in Muscatine.

In 1984, Ingstad took the opportunity to gain experience working at a larger bank in Kansas City. He  called George to say goodbye.

“I still remember the day I called him,” said Ingstad. “He said, ‘I won’t forget you,’ and he didn’t.”

Shepley called Ingstad in 1990 and offered him the position of president.

“It was the best thing that could have happened for us,” said Ingstad. “My mother, (Bernyce Ingstad,) worked for George and she was just getting ready to retire. Our kids were young, and she was thrilled to have us back.”

Bernyce passed away three years ago, and Scott Ingstad said he thanks George for making it possible to be near her during those years.

A good investment

George was also known for his good judge of character and he wasn’t often disappointed when he helped others.

In 1976, he approved a loan for Joe Crookham, owner of Muscatine Light Manufacturing Co., forerunner to MUSCO Lighting, the money he needed for his company.

“Joe told George, ‘If you loan me the money, I’ll leave it here (in Muscatine,)’” said Ingstad. “And Mr. Crookham has been extremely loyal to George and First National Bank.”

MUSCO Lighting still operates one of its nine U.S. offices in Muscatine.

International ties

George’s friendly demeanor also led to some fascinating friendships, such as one he enjoyed with Lord John King of England.

Gail’s husband, Bob Lande, said King, who died in 2005, received the title of Lord in his native England in recognition of his profitable business dealings. He was also once an owner of a  company in Iowa which led to his meeting with George. 

Bob said Lord King invited George to visit him in England in 1983, and even invited him join in on a fox hunt with Prince Charles.

“George told him he didn’t know how to ride like that,” said Bob. “Lord King said, ‘Well, I’ll introduce you to Prince Charles anyway.’”

Bob Lande said his father-in-law wondered why King had invited him to England, because those invitations were usually reserved for “important people.”

Beyond banking

Shepley continued putting his banking expertise to work even after he retired as president of First National in Muscatine in 1989. He served as chairman of the board of First National Bank of Muscatine from 1987-2003 and as a  chairman of First National Bank in Fairfield from 1986-2003. He also served as president, CEO, and chairman of the board of Iowa First Bancshares Corp. from 1983-96 and continued as chairman of the Board through 2003.

“Some people would say he’s a hard act to follow,” said Ingstad. “But it was a privilege to know him and work with him. He leaves a great void, but he also leaves a good example to follow.”

George also served Muscatine in many volunteer efforts. In the early 2000s, he chaired a successful $1 million fundraising effort for Muscatine Senior Resources.

“He worked hard for three years to help us get that,” said the agency’s executive director, Barb Krall.

The campaign led to the  expansion of the agency and its assets. The new addition at Senior Resources, the Shepley Building, was dedicated to Shepley in 2005.

Always a gentleman

Krall also remembered George’s civility.

“He always treated us so well,” she said. “He would help me with my coat, open the door for me, things that are not always remembered in today’s world.”

At the end of his life, even Alzheimer’s disease did not overcome Shepley’s inherent desire to express kindness.

“He would look at us and say ‘I love you,’” said  Gail Lande. “When the nurses would come in, he would say, ‘Thank you, you do a good job.’”

Gail said she will miss her father for many reasons, but above all,

“I’ll miss his love,” she said.