Brett Shepard

PRINCETON — Brett Robert Shepard, 27, of Princeton passed from this life on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, at his home.

He was born on Nov. 20, 1984, in Princeton to Michael Shepard and Bettie (Hensel) May. He married Brooke (Lawson) Shepard on Sept. 2, 2006.

He attended Princeton High School. Brett worked various jobs, including The Uptown Grill, Forristall Concrete and most recently "D" Construction. Brett has been a member of the Laborers' International Union of North America, Local 393, for the past four years where he worked as a foreman and laborer. He was very hardworking, striving to provide the best for his wife and children. He is described by his wife as an "amazing" husband. He loved his wife and children, he loved music, especially playing the guitar, the Chicago Bears and "Summer Camp". Those who knew him called him a friend. He worshiped at Bureau County Christian Center in Princeton.

He is survived by his wife and four beautiful children, Madison (8), Makenzie (6), Marleigh (2) and Maddex (8 months). He is also survived by his parents, Bettie Jo Hensel (Dan) May of Princeton and Michael (Denise) Shepard of Lacon; two brothers, Jared (Heather) Shepard of Colorado and Zack Shepard of Lacon; three stepbrothers, Brad (Sue) May of Peru, Eric (Chris) May of Shorewood and Cliff (Amanda) Barnett of Lacon; one stepsister, Kristan (Josh) Close of Low Point; his maternal grandfather, Robert "Papa Bob" Hensel of Walnut; his grandmother, Vivian May of Princeton; his grandparents, Jean and Delbert Jason of Lacon; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Roberta Hensel of Walnut; his paternal grandparents, Dale and Darlene Shepard of Lacon; and his sister, Angelia Shepard of Princeton.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Norberg Memorial Home, Princeton, with Pastor Heath Beard officiating. Burial will follow in Elm Lawn Memorial Park, Princeton.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a fund established for his children.