Obituary for Howard Reid Shapcott

Howard Reid Shapcott, 91, passed away on January 12, 2026, at UIHC Downtown (Mercy). A private graveside service at St. Joseph Cemetery in Iowa City will be held at a later date.

Howard is survived by his three children: Laurie (Bill) Hittenmiller, Brian (Mary Beth) Shapcott, and Julie (Jeremy) Freese; his grandchildren, Dustin (Erin Althoff) Hittenmiller, Kelcy Johnson, Andrew Hittenmiller, Tristan (Moriah Johnson) Freese, and Griffin (Miki Kringstad) Freese; and his much-adored great-granddaughters, Katelyn Johnson and Willa Althoff. He is also survived by his dear friend, Sue Gough; two sisters, Barbara (Roger) Slaughter and Sharon (Allen) Scott; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Pauline; six siblings; and a large number of truly exceptional friends.

Howard was born on April 13, 1934 (Friday the 13th), to Irving and Maxine (Hatfield) Shapcott in Mills County, Iowa, the fourth of their nine surviving children. Following the unexpected death of his father, Howard began working at an assortment of jobs at the age of 11 to help support his mother and younger siblings. At 17, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After being honorably discharged, he enrolled in the Iowa Highway Patrol training program in Fort Dodge. Howard served as a patrol officer and pilot for a decade, forming many lasting friendships, before purchasing Fay’s Fire Equipment in the early 1970s. He operated the company for more than 30 years.

Howard married Pauline Kessler on February 7, 1959, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Iowa City.

Howard was an extraordinary man. Though life presented him with many difficult obstacles, he met each one head-on with courage and determination. He cared deeply for his family, served his community, practiced his faith, and devotedly cared for his wife and mother-in-law. A classically trained grumpy old man, Howard never expected more from others than he was willing to give himself. His loved ones feel immense gratitude for having been blessed by his life and a profound sense of loss in his passing. Thank you, Howard, for all you did during your long and meaningful life.