Burt Shepard Jr

Burt Charles Shepard, Jr., passed away Saturday, November 2, 2013 following a short illness, at Ecumen Scenic Shores in Two Harbors, Minnesota at the age of 85 with family by his side.

Burt was born on March 4, 1928 to Margaret (Thompson) and Burt C Shepard, in Duluth, Minnesota. He lived most of his childhood in Duluth.

At the onset of World War II, Burt (aged 16) enlisted in the Merchant Marines. He continued to serve his country in the Navy and Army and was honorably discharged from all three branches. Following his discharge from the military, he returned to Duluth where he married the love of his life Verna Quigley in 1949. They resided in Duluth for a short while before moving to Two Harbors where together they shared the remainder of their lives. As an agent for the Metropolitan Insurance Company until his retirement in 1993, Burt became acquainted with numerous people in the North Shore area, and as a result also became very active in the Two Harbors community. He was a founding member and president of the Two Harbors Curling Club, and also served as a president of the Two Harbors Jaycees. Burt was recently recognized by the Masonic organization for being member for over 50 years.

Burt was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting with family and friends. He especially loved spending time at the cabin he built at Bassett Lake where he was always busy with his projects and enjoying his extended family-the Andersons. Amid all this, he found time to follow the lives of his children and grandchildren. All who knew Burt, would end up smiling after being with him as he always had a amazing quick wit and repertoire of jokes and sayings that his family now use routinely.

Burt is survived by his three daughters; Lynda (Jim) Larsen of Oakland, CA; Marjorie (Terry) Heckel of Menominee, MI; and Judy (David) Kelloway of Minnetonka, MN. He is also survived by four proud grandchildren; Luke Heckel, Tessa Heckel, Claire Kelloway, and Jimmy Kelloway. Survivors also include his cousin Betty Pietilanen, half-brother Dick Shepard, sister-in-laws Virginia(Quigley) Anderson, Lois Quigley and several nieces and nephews.

Burt was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Verna (Quigley) Shepard, his dear cousin Wayne Simmen and an infant sister.

Services will be at the United Church of Two Harbors on Monday, December 2, where a memorial service will be conducted at 11 AM, followed by lunch. Interment will follow with military honors.

Burt's family would like to thank the staff at Ecumen and all his friends who were so caring and helpful over this past year; these especially include Karin Norlen, Ben Haack, Skip Bissell and life-long friends Rudy Pluth and Lloyd Simich.