John Arthur Shoden, age 69, of Modesto, CA, passed away May 10, 2017, at his home unexpectedly of natural causes. For the past 45 years he had worked for Basic Resources, Inc., and the Reed Family. He was Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer for more than twenty years – having started as an accounting clerk at their George Reed Company in 1969. He was president of Aggregates, Inc. and Secretary/Treasurer of Reed International and 7-11 Materials.

John was born in Virginia, MN, on September 24th, 1947, the son of John and Jane (Hendrickson) Shoden. He grew up in Virginia with his parents, four sisters, and four brothers. He attended Virginia High School and later Indiana Business College before migrating out to California to complete his education. He worked as a short order cook for a brief time where he fell in love with cooking. He then went to work for Holt Bros., the Caterpillar Dealer in Stockton, CA, as an accounting clerk where he was first exposed to the construction industry. He joined George Reed and Basic Resources in 1972. He was their oldest employee in longevity at 45 years of service to the Reed businesses.

John was very passionate about California wines, and the California wine culture, as well as boating, gardening, and cooking.

Every July/August he would either fly or marathon drive back to Virginia, MN, for vacation and to be with his mother and the family he loved so much.

John is survived by his mother: Jane Shoden; his brothers: Ron (Sandi) Shoden, Steve Shoden and Darrell Shoden; sisters: Diane (Dan) Carlson, Pat Sleeman, Cheryl (Craig) Aluni, and Debbie (Terry) Carpenter – all of Virginia; fifteen nieces and nephews, and twenty-Three great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father: John Shoden of Virginia, MN; brother: Richard Shoden of Oakland, CA; brother-in-law: Paul Sleeman of Virginia, MN; maternal grandparents: Arthur (Mable) Hendrickson; paternal grandparents: John Shoden and Wilma Kovero; and infant great-nephew: Nicco DelCaro – all of Virginia.

A private family celebration of John's life will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2017, at the Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel in Virginia. Memorials are preferred to: Olcott Park Fountain Restoration Project, Virginia Community Foundation, 519 Chestnut Street, Virginia, MN 55792.

Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Virginia. To express condolences on-line please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Born: September 24, 1947 Place of Birth: Virginia, MN 55792 Death: May 10, 2017 Place of Death: Modesto, CA Occupation: President of Aggregates Inc. and Secretary/Treasurer of Reed International and 7-11 Materials Private Family Services will be held
Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook.


In lieu of Flowers, Memorials are preferred to the Olcott Park Fountain Restoration -