Dale Shackelford, age 74, of Marietta, MN passed away Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Johnson Memorial Healthcare in Dawson, MN. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gary, SD with Rev. Michael Enderle officiating. Burial will be in the Augusta Cemetery, Marietta, MN. Visitation will be 5 – 7 p.m. Monday, October 19th at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gary.
Dale William Shackelford was born on September 11, 1946 in Canby, Minnesota. He passed away on October 15, 2020 at Johnson Memorial Health Services in Dawson, Minnesota at the age of 74 after more than a decade of facing the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease. He courageously did so with a positive attitude saying, “You play the hand you are dealt.” Dale was baptized and confirmed in the Gary United Methodist Church and was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gary, SD. He attended elementary through eleventh grade at Marietta Public School. He finished high school and graduated from Gary Public School in 1964. Following graduation, he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps and served his country during the Vietnam War. Dale continued his service to the community as a member of the Gary American Legion Post 109 and Canby VFW. He married Shirley Bren on August 6, 1966. Dale and Shirley raised two sons, Rick and Terry. Returning from Vietnam, farming became a way of life. While farming on his own, he also custom combined for others. On April 8, 1995, he married Elois Bohn of Canby, Minnesota. The couple resided on his farm throughout their 25 years of marriage. His interests included fishing, hunting and snowmobiling. He and Elois shared their love of animals, especially horses and mules. As members of the Canby Wrangler Saddle Club and the Gary Rodeo Association, the couple enjoyed many trips out west and trail rides with friends. He drove his team of mules on area wagon trains which earned him the title ‘Number 1 mule man.’ Those who knew and loved Dale describe him as a man of integrity, a man devoted to his family and his country. He was known to many as a quiet man, but also spontaneous with his one-liners and great sense of humor. Dale is forever in the hearts of his children, grandchildren and friends.
Dale is preceded in death by his parents Wilson and Margaret (Evans) Shackelford, brother Melvin (Karen) Shackelford. He is survived by his loving family: wife Elois, two sons Rick (Kerri) Shackelford and Terry (Laurie) Shackelford, step-children Corey Bohn and Debra (Tim) Houge, grandchildren Rory, Klaira, Kallie, Kevin, Lauren and Katie Shackelford, Austin, Jordan, Madison and Cole Houge and Sawyer Bohn, brother Lyle Shackelford in-laws LaRae and Marty Danielson, Becky and Dave Svobodny, many nieces and nephews. The Final Chapter is Yet to Come! My journey has been one of fun times, good humor, good friends, and the love of family. What more could a man ask for? The best is yet to come. SEMPER FI (always faithful)
