Daniel Lorin Shearer passed away Thursday, November 9th, 2017, at his home in Townsend. He was 68 years old. He was born to Donald and Irene (Ferrat) Shearer on October 21, 1949, at the hospital in Townsend.
As kids, Dan and his brother Dave had a long list of chores at the ranch on Greyson Creek. They had cows to milk, and horses, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and cattle to feed. After milking cows, it was customary to corner the calves, climb on top, and see how long Dan and Dave could hang on.
Dan attended school in Townsend and graduated from Broadwater County High School in 1967. In high school he played the trumpet in the band. Dan was in the Old Baldy 4-H club for many years, raising and showing rabbits, chickens, calves, and horses. He was also a member of DeMolay from 1963-1967.
Skiing became the major recreational activity for Dan, beginning in high school with ski lessons from Jack Sautter and Tony Francisco on Grassy Mountain. This led to many fun trips to Big Sky to ski with good friends and later on even some trips heli-skiing in British Columbia. Countless hunting adventures also brought Dan together with his friends and family, seeking out the elusive elk and deer. He thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent outdoors.
After graduating high school, Dan attended MSU Bozeman with an interest in veterinary medicine. In 1969 he enlisted in the Army Reserves as a medic, completing basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. In 1975 Dan returned to the ranch to work with his father and brother. Later on in life he drove a semi for Associated Foods and also had the opportunity to experience driving an oil tanker on the North Slope of Alaska.
On one particular trip to visit friends, Dan landed a date at a Fort Snelling dance with a vivacious city girl from Minnesota, Joni Peterson. After a long-distance romance, Dan married Joni in 1993. They started a family in Townsend, where they had three children: Jordan, Sam, and Jenna. Joni and the children were the light of Dan’s life. He was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his first grandson, due in February of 2018.
Dan is preceded in death by his wife, Joni, and grandparents, Frank and Evelyn (Giesie) Shearer and Maurice and Katie (Giachino) Ferrat. He is survived by his parents, Don and Irene Shearer; children, Jordan (Anna) Shearer, Samuel Shearer and Jenna Shearer; brother, David (Mary) Shearer; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A celebration of Dan’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 18th at Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church, 20 Trailhead View Drive, Townsend. Internment at Deep Creek Cemetery will follow the srevice . A reception will follow the interment in the multipurpose room at the Broadwater School.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:00 a.m.
Saturday November 18, 2017
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead View Dr
Townsend, Montana 59644
Interment
Following the service
Saturday November 18, 2017
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Interment
Saturday November 18, 2017
Multipurpose Room at the Broadwater School
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:00 a.m.
Saturday November 18, 2017
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead View Dr
Townsend, Montana 59644
Interment
Following the service
Saturday November 18, 2017
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Interment
Saturday November 18, 2017
Multipurpose Room at the Broadwater School
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Gary & Donna Hutteball says
so saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. you all are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Linda Davis says
So sorry for your loss. He was a good man. Our prayers are with all of you.
Dan Bruins says
Thoughts and Virtual Hugs from Afar to Family of Shearer. Dan Was A-Okay in Many a Book. He Will Be Cherished and Well Missed. Dan
Sharon Rains Potenza says
Those bright eyes and that delightful giggle will be sorely missed. A life much too short! So sorry for the loss for everyone.
Trenna Scoffield says
Dan always greeted me with a smile. I will miss seeing him around town. He loved his children and I feel sad at the loss of both parents.
Nell Brooks says
Jordan, Sam & Jenna: my heart breaks for you. I am so very sorry about the loss of your dad. He was a good man. I know you have many precious memories to hold close. It is too short and too soon but your dad and mom live on through you and you are all wonderful people – that is the greatest tribute to them. With much love & sympathy
Kris Darrah says
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Drew & Marni Gaskill says
Sam, we are so saddened to hear this. Many condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Ward and Sherry Scoffield says
Jordan, Sam and Jenna, as well as Don and Irene, please know that we keep you in our prayers for comfort in the loss of your dad. Wish we could be there to tell you in person.
Shari Toney says
God be with the family Wade and Shari Toney
Janice Johnson Overman says
Janice Johnson Overman says
Jordan, Sam and Jenna, and all of Dan’s family, please know how sad I am for all of you. Dan was a good man and he left this earth far too early. God be with each of you and I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Janice Johnson Overman says
Jordan, Sam and Jenna, and all of Dan’s family, please know how sad I am for all of you. Dan was a good man and he left this earth far too early. God be with each of you and I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy Davis says
It saddens our hearts to hear of the loss of Dan. Dan was a wonderful man who left us far too soon. Dan will be missed terribly. Hold all your memories close to your heart he will be there. Love to family Doug & Judy Davis God Bless you Dan know we love you ……
Debbie and Brad White says
Jordan, Sam and Jenna,
Deb and I were so stunned and saddened by your Dad’s sudden passing. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Debbie and Brad White says
Jordan, Sam and Jenna,
Deb and I were so stunned and saddened by your Dad’s
Sudden passing. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Jim Foster says
Jenna, Jordan, Sam, and Don and Irene,
Our community mourns with you. Dan was a beloved person who greeted every one with a warm smile generated by his big dimples. He will be missed, and please know that you are in our hearts and prayers.
Lee Connolly says
Lee Lau Connolly says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Dan’s family. So sorry to hear of your loss. Dan was a great friend and classmate. May God Bless and Guide all of you today and always.L
Pam Leanhart Oleson says
So saddened to hear that Dan has passed away. My thoughts and prayers go out to his Family and Friends.
Jeff Stoffer says
So sorry to learn of Dan’s passing. Was a great friend and neighbor in Townsend. He and Joni raised three wonderful kids who are certain to go forward and do great things in their lives.
Barbara and Jim Swan says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jordan, Sam, and Jenna. Also we are sad for Don. So sad about losing both parents so early. Joni and Dan loved you both as they told us . Jim remembers Dan and working with him on ranch. We were blessed to see Dan last time we were in Montana and enjoyed our visit. We send our love to all of you . Miss seeing you each summer. Jim wishes he could come back as he loves your state. His health will not allow him to travel but know you are in our thoughts and prayers …. love, Jim Swan and Barbara
Skip Sherwood says
Very sad to hear of Dan’s passing so young. He was a regular drinking beer underage early on in High School like many of us did. I can remember Don & Irene come looking for him when they caught up about 2 in the morning driving around in an old Corvair that smelled like smoke as it was air cooled, but valve covers leaked oil causing the smoke. Someone coined the phrase getting “gassed on beer can hill” where many underage kids drank back in high school.
We were all good at getting in trouble back then.
Skip Sherwood.