Howard "Randy" Shover

Howard “Randy” Shover, 78, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Bohnenkamp-Murdoch Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Manchester. Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Manchester Methodist Church with the Reverend Phil Rogers officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. Bohnenkamp-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Manchester is in charge of arrangements.

Randy was born on September 4, 1948, in Manchester, Iowa, to Howard and Dallas (Ridenour) Shover. He graduated from West Delaware High School and went on to attend Upper Iowa University, where he earned his degree in education. Randy taught biology and physical education and served as a wrestling coach in Richland Center, Wisconsin. Randy married Mary Jo Hatch in Manchester, Iowa, and together they welcomed three children. They made their home on his family farm near Manchester, where Randy found great joy in farming. He also spent many years as a substitute teacher at West Delaware and Maquoketa Valley Schools. In addition to teaching and farming, Randy worked for Don & Walt Plumbing & Heating in Manchester and in construction, helping build a housing development near Pin Oak Golf Course.

Randy was a lifetime member of the American Quarter Horse Association and the Iowa Quarter Horse Association. His passion for horses was a defining part of his life. He was deeply involved in racing and training horses and enjoyed traveling across the country to deliver them. He always had a field full of broodmares and colts, and his love for horses was evident to everyone who knew him. Above all, Randy cherished his family, who meant the world to him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.

Randy is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Shover of Manchester, children, Kurt (Sandra) Shover and Keri (Rob) O’Brien both of Cedar Rapids, Scott (Susan) Shover of Manchester; granddaughter, Sydney Shover and grandson, Sladen Shover: and his sister, Janis Chastant.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Dallas; and his sister, Susan G. Shover.

Memorials in Randy’s memory may be directed to the family.