John Otto Shamla

Obituary

John Otto Shamla was born on August 15, 1942, in Glencoe, Minnesota. John lived in Glencoe his entire life and he resided with his parents, Otto and Bernadine (Harpel) Shamla.

John attended public school in Glencoe and graduated in 1960. After graduation, he went straight to work for his father as a mechanic and pump island attendant. He was part owner of Glencoe Oil Co. with his father and brothers for 54 years. John and his brother, Chuck were partners for over 41 years. They never had a serious disagreement except for the channel of the radio playing in the station storefront. (WCCO or Rush Limbaugh)

John loved the interaction with the customers. He received the most tips at the pump island out of all the employees who worked at the station. John was a very shy and kind man. He was loyal and generous to his family, community, and his faith. He worked hard all his life. John was a quiet, honest, good person. Never one to argue, but preferred to listen carefully. 

In his younger years, Johnny liked fishing and hunting and became an avid Minnesota Vikings fan. The fishing trips were an annual event with a large group of “good ole boys,” traveling to Bowstring, Leech, or Spider Lake. Hunting trips were up the Saskatchewan River for ducks and geese. Falls were filled with duck hunting adventures to surrounding slews, like Baker, High Island, and Eagle Lake to name a few.

The Shamla and Harpel clans took many motor-home, tailgating trips to the Bloomington Stadium to root for the Minnesota Vikings. Sometimes the games were disappointing, but the gatherings were always good. John liked to take weekend trips to his cabin on Lake Minnebelle, where he enjoyed visiting with family and friendly neighbors.

After the station closed in 2014, John filled his time with his chatty coffee group, driving the local roads, and keeping track of the Minnesota Twins. He was very interested in government and politics and always kept current on local and national events.

A rare disease robbed John of his much-deserved retirement, way too early. He was very well cared for at the Glencoe Regional Hospital and GlenFields Living with Care nursing home.

John is survived by his two brothers, Chuck Shamla of Glencoe, MN, Ben Shamla and his wife, Susan of Bloomington, MN;
Nephews, Nicolas Shamla of Bloomington, MN, Richard Shamla and his wife, Heather of Clara City, MN;
Niece, Elizabeth Friesen and her husband, Christian of St. Paul, MN;
Several cousins and many friends.

John is preceded in death by his Parents, Otto and Bonnie Shamla; niece, Sarah Shamla.