Victor L. Shriver, Jr. (Junior), of Ursa IL was born August 25, 1929, a son of Victor H. Sr. and Alma F. Henerhoff Shriver. He attended Ursa Grade School, graduated from Quincy Senior High School in 1947, and took pre-ministerial classes at Hannibal LaGrange College.

He married Marilyn L. Rabe on October 30, 1950, at Salem Lutheran Church in Mendon IL. They were blessed to live their entire lives on the family farm just outside Ursa. Together they were blessed with 5 children and twelve grandchildren. His eyes would twinkle when he spoke of his  many great-grandchildren, in whom he found so much joy. 

In retirement he and Marilyn enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Canada to attend farm shows and/or pick up farm machinery or supplies. They made it a point to visit different churches along the way. An active member of Gideons International, it was a bonus when they could stop by other Gideon chapters on their travels.

Junior devoted his life to God, family, and the farm. He modeled Christian values and a strong work ethic to the three generations that followed him.

Junior was proud of the work each generation did to continue the family farm.

Junior treasured the ability to connect with the day-to-day farm operations by giving rides to fields, picking up parts, sharing snacks, and checking on neighboring livestock and grounds. He and his wife Marilyn called themselves "Caretakers in God's Gardens," finding joy in watching crops, vegetable gardens and flowers grow. He and his wife Marilyn's house along Highway 96 just outside Ursa was inspiring to many who passed. This garden produced many flower exhibits at the Adams County Fair under the legendary name "ML Shriver."  He could be found supporting his wife's work as a 4-H leader, teaching life skills to the Ursa Willing Workers 4-H Club members.

Junior and Marilyn loved to attend fairs. They took their children to the fair, where they showed sheep. Later in life they took their grandchildren to local fairs where they had exhibits, and encouraged their grandchildren to exhibit as well. Visits to the  Illinois State Fair for their children and grandchildren are still some of the best memories. That has inspired some of their granddaughters to volunteer at the Adams County Fair today.

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