Kevin Wayne Shinn, 58, passed away May 15th 2026 at Solvay Hospice House with his family at his bedside. He became sick with kidney disease at age 17 and endured many long term medical complications as a result of this. He fought for 41 years until his body could fight no more. Yet, he never let onto others what he was dealing with physically throughout the years. 

 He was born on November 30th, 1967, and grew up in Gary New Duluth making many lasting memories with his friends and Serbian Buddies. He was quite the athlete, playing most sports but more specifically excelled in hockey and football. 

From a young age, he enjoyed watching NASCAR and dirt track racing. In 1993, just before beginning dialysis he fulfilled his dream of racing a Super Stock for one season. Although his health challenges eventually ended his time behind the wheel, his passion for racing never faded.

Kevin passed that same passion for racing on to his son.  He introduced Adam to go-kart racing in 2003 and opened the door to what would become Adam’s lifelong journey in motorsports. For the next 23 years, they stood side by side through every stage of his racing career from the earliest karting days to the higher levels of competition in dirt track racing. 

Kevin and Miranda shared a truly special bond. She could convince him to do just about anything. He’d sit patiently for hair and makeup sessions, feed the backyard critters together and shared daddy-daughter Ice cream and coney dates. He proudly supported her throughout her 16 years of dancing.  He also passed along his own coaching advice to Miranda as she became a dance instructor.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Wayne Shinn and his beloved grandparents Mike and Tillie Skorich. 

Kevin is survived by his High School sweetheart, Jodi whom he was married to for 36 years; Son and Daughter, Adam and Miranda; Mother, Patricia Shinn (of Florida);  Sister, Tammera Bastie;  

Nieces, Ashley, Megan, and Arianah; Nephews, Dar and Luca; 

Sisters and Brothers-in-law, Jackie and Bill McNaughton, Michelle and Bob Stemper, and Heather Giancola;

Very special friends, Mike Eliason (who donated a kidney to Kevin in 1995), Bob Galovich his honorary “brother” and so many other very special friends~too many to list individually.

Kevin was a man of remarkable strength, integrity and selflessness who always put others before himself.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

CELEBRATION OF LIFE:

Monday, June 1,  Visitation 3-4 pm and Service at 4pm (refreshments to follow)

Cremation Society of Minnesota 

4100 Grand Avenue, Duluth, MN  55807 

*If you have a funny or touching memory of Kevin, please consider sharing it  during his Celebration service.