Allen "Dean" Shepersky

He is survived by his four beloved daughters, Judith (Alan) Stocker, Deborah (John) Bronk, Linda Millington, and Patricia (Chris) Hegarty. He is also survived by his grandchildren Angela (David) Firnstahl, Nathan Bronk, Adam Stocker, Michelle O’Donnell, Eric Stocker, David Hegarty, Ryan Millington, and Megan Hegarty; three great-grandchildren Charlotte, Henry, and Evangeline; sister-in-law Prudence Meyer; and beloved nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by the love of his life, Doris “Dorie” (Meyer) Shepersky; his parents A. Duane and Ruth Shepersky; his brother Richard (Irene) Shepersky; his brother-in-law, Clarence (Dona) Meyer; his sister-in-law, Belva (George) Blue; and his brother-in-law, Raymond Meyer.

Dean lived a life filled with great love and commitment to his family, strong faith, service to his country, and also thrived on connecting with others (including telling stories, jokes, and giving “the scoop”).

Born in South Dakota on May 3, 1928, Dean began his working career herding sheep at the age of 12. At 16, he worked the summer on the hog kill at Armour's in Huron and the following year at the railroad freight dock. After graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his service, he earned a Pharmacy degree from South Dakota State University and, in 1951, accepted a commission in the Army Medical Service Corps to serve in combat during the Korean War. As a combat medic, he was awarded a Bronze Star for Valor in ground combat and received a Commendation Medal for occupying a physician’s position in charge of an aid station for five months. Dean retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after over 30 years of service, primarily in the South Dakota National Guard and the 5501 U.S. Army Reserve Hospital in Fort Snelling, MN. His pharmacy career spanned over 50 years and included roles as a pharmacist and manager at Perriton Drug and White Drug in Huron, as well as Walgreens and Loop Pharmacy in Minneapolis.

Dean and Dorie married in 1951. While raising their children, the family trailered over much of the U.S. After the girls completed their educations, Dean and Dorie visited over fifty countries by land and sea. They prioritized family connections and organized memorable vacations with their daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. They attended many birthdays, graduations, and grandchildren’s activities and travelled regularly to visit their daughters and families on the east and west coasts. They were blessed with 67 years of marriage.

Dean was involved in numerous organizations including the Sons of the American Revolution, VFW, American Legion, and Reserve Officer’s Association. He served on the Mental Health Board in Huron, Advisory Board of Health in Bloomington, and Washington County Historic Court House Board. He was a barbershop singer in the Minneapolis Commodores. As a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, he was involved in choir and teaching youth. He was also a Bible Study Fellowship student for years.

Visitation 2-5 pm on Sunday, June 29 at Wulff Funeral Home, 2195 Woodlane Dr, Woodbury. Memorial service Monday, June 30, at 3:00 pm at The Grove United Methodist Church in Woodbury. Private inurnment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Dean’s family would like to thank the staff at Boutwells Landing and Lakeview Hospice for the love and care they provided to him in the last weeks of his life. The daughters are so thankful for the Stonecrest community and their extended family and friends for all their kindness, love and support.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodbury Veteran's Memorial link at woodburylions.org