Dean R. Shuck

Dean R. Shuck, 74, of Sunburg, died Sunday, September 20th at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.  His memorial service will be 11:00 am, Monday, September 28th at Hope Lutheran Church in Sunburg.  Visitation will be from 3-5:00 pm, Sunday at Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Sunburg Fire Department, PO Box 41, Sunburg, MN 56289-0041 or Kandiyohi County Food Shelf, 624 Pacific Ave NW, Willmar, MN 56201, https://kandiyohicountyfoodshelf.com/donate.html.

Dean Roger Shuck was born November 25, 1951, in Willmar, Minnesota, to Harold and Ardella Shuck, the seventh of twelve children. A lifelong member of West Lake Lutheran Church, he was baptized and confirmed there and served the congregation faithfully until its closing in 2017.

Dean attended country school before graduating from Kerkhoven-Sunburg High School in 1969. He loved sports and was especially proud to be part of Kerkhoven’s first wrestling team, wrestling the program’s first match in 1964.

In 1969, Dean was drafted into the United States Army and served his country before returning to Kandiyohi County in 1971. Dean then began the work he loved most—farming—and spent the rest of his life dedicated to the land, his family, and his community.

On July 13, 1974, Dean married the love of his life Diane Paulson at the Paulson family farm. Together, they built a life centered on family, farming, hard work, and cherished memories, and were blessed with two sons: Jesse and Jordan. In 1975, Dean and Diane purchased the Clarence Myhre farm, where they made their home and farmed for more than five decades. Dean took great pride in conservation farming, caring for the land, and keeping his farmstead and yard well-tended.

Dean’s lifelong love of wildlife began in childhood and continued through the years as he raised pheasants, kept chickens, and enjoyed the animals and wildlife around his farm. He also loved hunting, fishing, and following Minnesota sports teams. Above all, Dean cherished his grandchildren and took great joy in keeping up with their many activities.

Dean also served his community through roles on the Arctander Township Board, West Lake Lutheran Church Board, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg School Board, and Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners.

Dean passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on September 20, 2026, at Hennepin County Medical Center, after a life devoted to family, farming, community, and the land he loved. 

His final wish was granted when he returned to Kandiyohi County, the place he always called home.  Dean will be deeply missed and remembered by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

Dean is survived by his wife, Diane; sons: Jesse (Geneva) of Edgewood, New Mexico and Jordan (Sarah) of Shakopee; grandchildren: Karen, Oscar, Karime, Kellen, Karina, Claire, Karolina, and Manny; siblings: Charles Shuck of Willmar, Jerry Shuck of Harmony, Curt (Carol) Shuck of Spicer, Judy (Jack) VanEps of Hancock, Bruce (Robin) Shuck of Sunburg, Voni (Larry) Degeest of Melrose, Amy (Steve) Combs of New London, Karen (Jim) Nelson of New London, and Chery Shuck of Willmar; sister-in-law, Betty Shuck of Laguna Hills, CA; many nieces and nephews; and his dog, Stella.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Ardella Shuck; in-laws, Lloyd and Adeline Paulson; brothers: Dennis and Wayne; sisters-in-law: Shirley and Mavis; and his special uncle, Clarence Myhre.

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