An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Michael Joe "Cha-na-go" Shobney

March 6, 2019 | By slarson
Michael Joe "Cha-na-go" Shobney, 74, of Delia, KS, passed away Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born Sept. 29, 1944, in Holton, the son of Donald P. and Margaret (Matsapto) Shobney. Joe graduated from Topeka High School in 1965 and joined the Kansas Army National Guard, where he proudly served for 30 years. Joe worked on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation for Road and Bridge as a mechanic and truck driver for 20 years, retiring in 2016. He was a member of Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and We-ta-se Post 410. He married Shirley Jean Russell on April 30, 1965, in Topeka; she preceded him in death April 16, 1995. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Margaret Shobney; his sister, Mary Rogers; his brother, John Shobney; a step-son, Derek Douglas Denzler, and a grandson, Joshua Hester. Joe married Sharon Sue Dicks on August 3, 1996, in Delia; she survives at the home. Other survivors include a son Michael Joe Shobney II, Delia; a daughter, Angela D. Hester (Ronny), Mayetta; step-son, Jerry Leon Denzler, Jr., Hoyt,; step-daughter, Heather Suzanne Nicholas (Cris), Mayetta; a sister, Carol Heimiller (Kevin), Lecompton; 13 grandchildren, Jacob, Russell, Tyler, Tanner, Austin, Robert, Ronny Jr., Lexi, Jimmy, Jeanie, Teryn, Michael III and Annabella; and 14 great-grandchildren. Graveside Service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25, 2019, at the Danceground Cemetery (on the Potawatomi Reservation). Family will greet friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.