Michael Dominic Shanta, age 69, passed away on March 15, 2026.

Michael Dominic Shanta, age 69, passed away peacefully at home on March 15, 2026, with his beloved wife, Sue and dear friend, Angie by his side.
Mike was born on October 2, 1956, in Midlothian, Illinois, to George Shanta and Carrol Norris.

He spent his early years surrounded by extended family, often helping with chores, riding his bike until the streetlights came on, and getting into his fair share of boyhood mischief. He was well-known to the local emergency room staff for his adventurous spirit (or perhaps a little bit of being accident prone LOL)—whether from bike crashes or his memorable attempt to fly by jumping off a roof with a sheet. In his late teens and early twenties, Mike embraced a free-spirited hippie lifestyle, complete with long hair and short shorts—something his children would later lovingly tease him about.

Throughout his life, Mike explored a variety of careers, including masonry, administrative assistant, newspaper ad designer, waiter, construction work and more. He eventually found his place in the hospitality industry in Branson, Missouri, where he spent his later working years. Of all his accomplishments, however, Mike would say his greatest joy was his marriage to his devoted wife, Sue. They shared 36 years together, navigating life’s ups and downs with resilience, love, and an unwavering commitment to one another.

Mike had many interests and hobbies, including writing, wood burning, studying herbal remedies, and collecting survival supplies. He cherished time spent with family, studying scripture, watching political commentary, and listening to audiobooks alongside Sue. He is survived by his parents, George Shanta and Carrol Norris; his sisters: Kristy Maschke, Tammy Battaglia, Holly Crapps, and Erin Zahner; his loving wife, Sue Shanta; his children: Randi Packard (Max Packard) and Matt Shanta; and his cherished grandchildren: Hadley, River, and Rowen Packard. He was preceded in death by his brother, Tommy Shanta and his stepfather Richard Norris.

Mike would not want those who loved him to dwell in sorrow, but instead to celebrate the life he lived. A gathering to honor and remember Mike will be held at The Hub in his mother’s neighborhood on Saturday, April 18th, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., located at 700 Parnell St., Branson, Missouri 65616.

The afternoon will begin with a time of greeting, followed by a 2:30 p.m. service. Afterward, all are welcome to share memories, stories, or anything on their hearts. Light refreshments, including snacks and desserts, will be served during a time of fellowship.
Family and friends are warmly invited to come together to remember Mike, share laughter, and enjoy time and food in his honor.

Scripture Selections
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[HYPERLINK "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205&version=NIV" \l "fen-NIV-28049a"a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[HYPERLINK "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205&version=NIV" \l "fen-NIV-28050b"b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[HYPERLINK "https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205&version=NIV" \l "fen-NIV-28051c"c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:1-5

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12
Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit http://www.cremationsoftheozarks.com. 

Cremations of the Ozarks
115 Industrial Park; PO Box 673
Hollister, MO 65672
Ph. (417) 544-0218  Fx. (417) 544-0219
www.cremationsoftheozarks.com