Updated: January 2026
Adeline,
Since my situation changes on a regular basis, I have created this page on my website especially for you. I can update my information as needed without bothering you with paper documents. Only you and I and my sisters have access to this page.
When I am gone or have moved, you will take possession of my home. Whatever property I leave there belongs to you to do with whatever you want. I have put some items in a FEDEX box labeled “Personal Items”. If it is still there, I would like it sent to my sister. Her address is:
Kathy Cisler
15718 Nottingham
Omaha, NE 68118
Here is where things stand right now:
If you ever you have a reason to enter my home for any reason, including a police officer ‘wellness check’, the key to the driveway gate and the front door is in a box on the inside of the fence. (See picture).
On the floor of the closet in the master bedroom, there is a safe. The key to the safe is hanging on the inside of the pantry in the kitchen. I usually keep some important documents and some emergency cash in that safe and the extra key fob to my car. Those things may or not be there when I am gone. If they are, they are part of the estate. In any event, you should know about the safe and the keys.
I previously provided you with the contact information for my two sisters who need to be contacted when the inevitable happens. Here is the latest information:
Nancy Dworak
Phone: (303) 918-9692
Email: milehinanc@msn.com
Address: 2802 Canby Way, Ft Collins CO 80525
Kathy Cisler
Phone: (402) 658-4949
Email: kcisleromaha@gmail.com
Address: 15718 Nottingham, Omaha NE 68118
I stay in regular contact with these two sisters, and if they haven’t heard from me in 4 or 5 days, I’ve given them your phone number so you can arrange for the police to do a wellness check.
Monetary and Investment Accounts
I have the monetary and investment accounts at:
- USAA
- Charles Schwab Corporation
- US Treasury
Here is the latest information on those accounts. I will update them periodically:
USAA ACCOUNTS
To settle my USAA accounts, go to USAA.com/survivorship or contact USAA Monday through Friday 7:30AM to 6:00PM CT at 1-800-292-8294
___________________________________________________________________________
Charles Schwab Corporation
Rollover IRA (Account # 2307-8491)
Designated Beneficiary (Account # 8278-0528)
To settle Charles Schwab accounts, call (877) 566-2284. Provide my full name and Social Security Number.
_____________________________________________________________________________
US Treasury – (Treasury Direct)
To settle this account, call Treasury Direct at: (844) 284-2676
____________________________________________________________________________
These are the accounts that will need to be cancelled:
IMPORTANT NOTE:
In reviewing the Living Trust document, I observed the following clauses regarding Trustee compensation:
Article 11, Section G
“Compensation of Trustee: Any individual Trustee serving hereunder shall be entitled to a one-time compensation of 5% of the total estate of Joseph R. Shanahan to carry out the wishes of the Grantor.”
I was under the impression that the compensation rate was higher. Given the peace of mind you are providing me, I believe your role merits a compensation rate of 12%. You can amend/modify the document to reflect this adjustment.
Also, I noticed this:
Article 4. Death of the Grantor: Upon the death of the Grantor, except as otherwise set forth below, the Trustee shall hold, administer and dispose of the Trust Estate as follows:
A. Residuary Property. The Trustee shall complete the transfer of the property located at 105 B Victor St., Austin, TX 78753 to CMSATX LLC for a sum of $75,000.00 US dollars shall be paid to the estate of Joseph R Shanahan.
(Does this need to be modified since there is no longer a CMS)?
I hope this site will suffice to prove what I intended in the disposition of my assets in case of any issues. My siblings have been informed that you will be in charge of settling my estate, that I have 100% confidence in you, and I am confident there will be no issues. If you have any questions or concerns, let me know.
As a personal favor, there are two people who probably will not be informed when I am gone that I would like you to contact:
- Gary Hennessee. Gary is one of my best friends for the past 50 years. We met when we were both in the USAF and we have kept in touch over the years. His phone number is (281) 808-0651
- Nancy Stevenson. Nancy is another friend I have known for a very long time. Her phone number is (210) 215-2534
Like myself, both of them are getting up in age and may be gone before me. If you are unable to connect with them, that is OK. If you are able, just let them know I am sorry we will not see each other again.
Finally, I want to tell you how much I appreciate all you are doing to settle my affairs without putting an unnecessary burden on my siblings. Ironically, you cared more for where my ashes ended up than I did. I appreciate that.
Joe Shanahan