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   Wilmer Charles Shepard of Longville passed away at his home on Sunday, July 23rd, 2023, with his family by his side, Wilmer “Bill” was born in Pine River, Minnesota to Tracy and Ina Shepard on June 27th, 1941.  He attended Longville schools and graduated in 1959. While in high school Bill worked at numerous resorts in the Longville area. After graduation Bill moved out west to Washington, where he picked apples in the orchards, and flipped pancakes at the local Pancake House. Bill moved back to Longville to marry his high school sweetie Etta Mae in 1962.

   The couple moved to the Twin Cities where Bill was the warehouse manager for a furniture store for 10 years. They bought their first home in Shakopee during this time. He next managed a gas station in Chaska. Bill also managed a tree farm in Monticello.  While there, the couple had their first 2 children, Brad and Mark.

   In 1973 Bill moved the family back to Gods country, Longville, where he worked construction alongside his brother, Lowell. In 1974, their daughter, Jenny was born. He eventually went to work for Cenex Gas.  After an injury Bill’s last job was selling insurance for Cass Company.

   Bill loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and gardening were his favorite hobbies, and doing them with his grandchildren was the best!  He also enjoyed his time as a boy scout leader. He donated so much of his time and himself giving to family and friends and expecting nothing in return that he earned the nick name “ Free Willie”.

   Bill’s favorite dog Charlie will be going home with him.

   Bill was preceded in death by his mother Ina and father Tracy Shepard; sister Beulah Brown; Nephew Andrew Shepard.

   Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years Etta Mae Shepard; sons Brad (Christine) Shepard, Mark (Terri) Shepard; daughter Jennifer Kovall; brother Lowell (Nodie) Shepard; sisters Janice Halver, Diane (Frank) Slagle; grandchildren Hunter Shepard, McKenna (Robert) Fogle, Jake Brown, Tanner Shepard, Cooper Kovall, Kaylee Shepard, Taylor Shepard, Madison Shepard, Samantha Shepard, and Tucker Kovall. Great grandchildren, Bowden and Brantly Fogle; and many nieces and nephews.

   Bill’s service will be at the Longville Bible Chapel in Longville Minnesota, on July 29th with the visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. service at 11:00. The family will have a private burial at a later date.

   Wilmer’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be sent to www.northernpeace.com

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