August 03, 1944 - August 24, 2009
The Rev. John Holland Shepard Obituary
Died suddenly of a heart attack on August 24, 2009. He was born August 3, 1944 in Spencer, IA to Thomas and Leota (McCoy) Shepard. He moved with his family to Sioux Falls, SD in 1950 and graduated from Washington Sr. High in June of 1962. He attended the University of South Dakota at Vermillion from 1962-1966, earning a BA in history. He served in the Marine Corps on active duty 1966-1968 and married Muriel Shepard in 1967. Two children came of this union, Thomas Robert and Amanda June. John attended the South Dakota School of Law, graduating with a degree of Juris Doctor May 1971 and entered law practice with the Morman Law Firm in Sturgis, SD, remaining in that profession for 18 years. In 1979 he married Sheryll (Raetz) Shepard and became stepfather to her three children, Marcy (Raetz) Korthour, Dennis and Christopher Raetz. They remained married for 30 years and five months. During that time John was called and ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Church. In 1988 John was called to the priesthood and attended seminary at Church Divinity School of the Pacific (Berkeley, CA) graduating with a Masters of Divinity in 1991. He was ordained priest August 3, 1991 and served Trinity Episcopal Church in Pierre, SD for seven years. In addition to his congregation he spent much time working with the Lakota people and as assistant to the Bishop. He served St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Spokane for 11 years enjoying various leadership roles in the Diocese, particularly educating and helping others prepare for ordained ministry. He loved teaching and serving his church and was loved by his congregants of any age. As a Mason, John was Past Master of Olive Branch #47, Past Master of Black Hills Consistory in Deadwood, SD, Past Potentate of Naja Temple AAONMS and held the 33rd degree of Scottish Rite Masonry and Legion of Honor of the Order of Demolay. He was a member of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. John loved people, woodturning, anything to do with the sea, his dog Murphy, and most recently had taken up drawing and painting. He was always interested in learning and mastering new things. John is survived by his wife Sheryll and her two children Dennis and Chris; his two children, Tom and family of Denver, CO, Amanda and her husband of Portland, OR; grandchildren Tiani (Portland), Kyle and TJ Korthour (SD); three sisters, Mary (SD), Sarah (TX) and Susan (CA) along with their spouses and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his aunt Frances Shepard and his stepdaughter Marcy. Funeral Service 10:00 AM Thursday, September 3rd at The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 127 E. 12th Ave. Memorials are established for his passions; St. Stephen's Episcopal Church or the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane for the furtherance of educating clergy.
Comentários