Tributes

Alvin G. McShane, 86, of Rapid City passed peacefully on June 17, 2026. Born in Detroit, Michigan to Alvin and Florine McShane, he was a man of inﬁnite kindness, brilliant intellect, and service. A proud veteran of the United States Army, he served as an elite paratrooper and reconnaissance scout with the 101st Airborne Division ‘Screaming Eagles’ — (Headquarters Company, 2d ABG, 187th Infantry ‘Rakkasans’). Serving as the ‘tip of the spear’ at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, his enlistment was extended by presidential order during the Berlin Crisis to ensure critical national defense readiness. Following his honorable discharge, Al McShane became a lifetime member with Local 98 and was a master plumber and certiﬁed welder working in multiple disciplines, including boilermakers, steamﬁtters, sprinkler ﬁtters, and iron workers. He also served as plumbing inspector for the City of Detroit ensuring the safety and integrity of the city’s infrastructure. Later in life he brought his years of expertise up north, serving the community as an Antrim County plumbing inspector until his retirement. Beyond his career and military service, Al was a devoted Mason and served honorably as Worshipful Master of Davis Lodge 64 and Detroit Lodge 2. Known for his vibrant enthusiasm, he was pivotal in revitalizing the lodge and infusing it with new life, energy and purpose. He also became a member of the Shriners, supporting their mission of care and community. He walked through life with a servant’s heart, leaving a lasting impact across the Detroit community, not only through his involvement with Lodge 2 and the Shriners, but also volunteering with the Knights of Columbus, St. Matthew Catholic Church, and the Dominican Literacy Center. A man of many talents, he was an artist, a wood carver, poet, and will be remembered as a dedicated volunteer, mentor and ‘teacher.’ As an avid lifelong learner with an insatiable curiosity, Al was deeply knowledgeable about world history, geopolitics, astronomy, and nature — nurturing a rich wildlife sanctuary and pond in his own backyard. He leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend, Linda McShane, with whom he shared a beautiful life of partnership, laughter, and deep devotion, as well as his children; stepson, William (Deborah) Foy, daughters, Barbara (William Milhem) McShane, and Debra (Christopher) Reynolds; brothers, Stephen (Kathy) McShane, Patrick (Diane) McShane, Bruce (Patty) McShane, and sister, Roseanne (Marvin) DeBuck; along with 9 grandchildren, 8 greatgrandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Al McShane is preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Florine McShane, brother James (Karen) McShane, and his stepson Steven and daughter-in-law Diane Foy. A Memorial Mass will be held later this summer on Saturday, August 1st at 11:00 AM at: SS. John and Paul Catholic Church, 7777 28 Mile Road, Washington, Michigan 48094. Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

Tributes

Alvin G. McShane

February 1, 1940 - June 17, 2026