Sheldon S. Shen

Physicist, biologist, professor, scholar, clock fixer, haiku writer, stock trader, emoji user, basset hound spoiler, world traveler. These parts of Sheldon Shen's life quietly ended on March 31, 2019 with his beloved wife Martha by his side. He will live forever in our hearts through the roles he held most dear: proud father and loving husband.

Sheldon Shih Ta Shen was born November 22, 1947 in Shanghai, China to Tony Chung Yu Shen and Rosedo Shou Hui Chang. In May of 1949, Shanghai fell to communism, and Sheldon and his mother fled to Taiwan where he was ultimately raised by his aunt Henrietta. Sheldon's father was working in Dayton, OH and in 1954, at the age of 7, Sheldon came to join him in the United States. He was admitted under the Refugee Relief Act, which required having a sponsor. Through a series of family connections, he was sponsored by then New York Governor Thomas Dewey and future Vice President Nelson Rockefeller. This got the attention of the New York Times, which wrote a story about his arrival in the U.S., declaring he was "bubbling with happiness over his new home" after five flights and an 8,000 mile journey alone. The Dayton newspaper also chronicled his early days in their city, noting how quickly he was learning English and how much he enjoyed ice cream.

Sheldon spent most of his childhood in St. Louis, MO with his father, stepmother Colleen and two brothers, Vincent and Anthony. He went to the University of Missouri and received a bachelor's degree in science. After receiving his graduate degree and teaching for a few years at the University of California-Berkeley, he had a successful tenure as a professor of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology at Iowa State University, where he helped many young scientists launch their own careers.

In retirement, Sheldon and Martha embraced the opportunity to travel. They visited China, Vienna, Italy, Amsterdam, and more. But they also made frequent trips across the country to see their grandchildren in college or competing in sports. In 1974, Sheldon took his son Chris to see the San Francisco Giants, and a tradition was born. For more than 30 years, there would be an annual baseball trip that extended from a father-son adventure to a three generation trip, including Chris' son Jordan. Sheldon took his daughter Camille to see her favorite orca whales at SeaWorld countless times. And if he had the chance to tell you about taking his daughter Molly to Chicago, you undoubtedly know the sushi story.
Sheldon also treasured his time at home in Des Moines. He was proud to see daughters Rachel and Natalie strike out on their own, building good lives. He rarely missed his weekly Wednesday visits with his daughter Camille. Marrying Martha in 2003 expanded his family, and they hosted regular Sunday barbeques that included daughters Abra, Elanni and their families. And in his quietest, perhaps happiest times, he was simply home with Martha and their dog Solomon. Solomon will miss his indulgent meals with Sheldon. In fact, Sheldon's last dinner out was cashing in a $9.99 coupon for 12 pieces of Popeye's Chicken. Sheldon ate one piece and fed the rest to Solomon.

If you talked to Sheldon on the phone, you probably talked to everyone in the room, as he tended to pass the phone around, no matter if you were ready. If you ate out with Sheldon, you probably couldn't beat him to the check. If you played cards with Sheldon, you relished a win as he rarely lost.

He is survived by his wife Martha, with whom he found peace, harmony and the deepest of loves. He also leaves behind a large family that includes his son Christopher and his wife Christine; his daughter Molliarda and her husband Ron; his daughters Camille, Natalie and Rachel; daughter Abra and her husband Ryan; daughter Elanni and her wife Jen; and his brothers Vincent and Anthony. His legacy will continue through his grandchildren, Jordan, Hannah, Rachel, Noah and Cody as well as Aria, Luke and Anna.

Sheldon was remembered in a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in his honor to the ACLU.

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