Robert Clifford Shephard

Robert (Bob) Clifford Shephard are 93, passed away June 16, 2012 at Wedgewood Manor, Cavalier, ND. He was born Jan. 3, 1919 in Deaconess Hospital, Grafton, ND, to Margaret (Spotswood) and Herbert Shephard. He grew up on their farm near Crystal, attended Halladay Country School nearby and graduated from Crystal High School in 1937.
He had a natural love of farming and was interested from a young age in growing potatoes and worked on the family farm with his Dad, Herbert, and brother Harold until he entered military service in March of 1941. He served for 4 years, 4 months and 4 days in the 92nd Armored Field Artillery Division as a Tank Commander. He was involved in the European African Campaign, Normandy D plus 4, and the Battle of the Bulge. While in service he received the Bronze Medal and a Purple Heart, World War II Victory medal, and American Campaign medal. He was honorably discharged in 1945.
He married Ruth Caroline Miller in Grafton in 1948 and they spent their life farming and raising their family near Crystal. They celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary with a celebration gathering July 4th 2008 with all their children, grandchildren and much other family.
He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Park River and served on the board of trustees. He also served on many other boards including the Crystal school, Park Township, Crystal Cemetery and Farmers Elevator.
Robert is survived by his wife Ruth of 64 years, his 3 children: Lyle married to Karen Berdal of Crystal; Carol, married to Bob Grabow of Dallas, Texas; and Paul, married to Melaine Misialek of Boise, ID. Seven grandchildren, Kali Shephard, Thomas Shephard, Jared Grabow, Robby Grabow married to Karen Sawyer, Trevor Shephard, Colby Shephard, Zachary Shephard, and on great-grand child, Rachel Emma Grabow. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Margaret, Brother Harold, and sister Eileen Shephard Otto.
The funeral service will be on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at Bethel Baptist Church at 10:30 AM in Park River, ND. Visitation on Monday from 6-7:30 PM with a prayer service at 7:30 PM at Jensen-Askew Funeral Home in Cavalier, ND & one hour prior to service at the church, Interment at Crystal Cemetery in Crystal, ND. Military Rites by Grand Forks National Honor Guard.