David Felix Shepersky

David Felix Shepersky, 75, passed away peacefully at home after a short battle with cancer, surrounded by family and friends, on November 30, 2024, in Virginia, MN.

David was born June 2, 1949, the first son of Felix “Peanuts” and Dorothy (Sergent) Shepersky, of Menahga, MN.  In a similar style to his dad’s nickname, David’s family nicknamed him “Peanut.”  He grew up on the family farm and loved going back to stay there often, calling it the most peaceful place on earth.  On August 4, 1979, he was united in marriage to Clarice (Michals) Kruse at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, thereby joining his two children and her seven children into a family.  He had a long career at Virginia Public Utilities, doing work he loved and forming life-long friendships.  

David enjoyed the outdoors and spending time in nature.  He loved fishing, hunting, canoeing, kayaking, wild rice harvesting, gardening, biking, hiking, blueberry picking and many other activities.  He had a huge group of friends and a large family, so he was always doing something or going somewhere.  After his wife passed, he surprised us by taking up cooking, baking, and canning, always giving away jars of something when you visited.  He had a passion for people, helping in every way he could.  Every year he was a Salvation Army bell ringer, asking for the cold outdoor shifts so other volunteers could have the warm indoor time slots.  He was a giving, caring, and generous man.

David is survived by children:  Terry (Sue) Kruse of Eveleth, Michael (Judy) Kruse of Rogers, Keith (Joan) Kruse of Virginia, Daniel Kruse of Iron, Cynthia (Matthew) Mueller of Wisconsin, Corinne Slininger (Kevin Fisher) of Ohio, Daniel (Kevin) Davis of New York, Russell Shepersky of Texas, and daughter-in-law Raven Kruse of Mankato.

Grandchildren:  Sarah Kruse, Kathryn (Dean) Haupt, Lisa (Jamie) Kruse, Meghan Kruse, Mikala Kruse (David) Arnold, Benjamin Kruse, Kristin (Adrian) Dragomir-Daescu, Ashley Slininger, Zachary Slininger, Travis Swanson, Kenzie Swanson, Devan Swanson, and Wyatt Swanson.  Great-grandchildren:  Taylor (Nick) Larson, Brady Kruse, Johanna Kruse-Giefer, Marena and Theodore Rogers, Alina and Astrid Dragomir-Daescu, and Allen Kruse. Great-great-grandchildren:  Aurora and Alexander Larson.

Siblings:  Joyce (Harry) Pearson, Ellen Graves, Ruth (Bill) Alden, Janet (Bob) Decker, Frank Shepersky and Daroll Shepersky.  As well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and extended family too numerous to count.  Special mention of his niece, Sharon Weber, whom he loved like a daughter.

David also had numerous great friends whom he loved and enjoyed spending time with and doing outdoor activities.  Special mention of his best friend, Bengkt Welander, whom he loved like a son.

David was preceded in death by his wife Clarice, son Jeff Kruse, his parents, sister Norma Hanson, brothers-in-law: Ronald Hanson, Len Pearson, and Randy Graves and numerous other relatives.

The memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia.  A gathering will take place one hour prior to the service.  Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery.  A celebration of life will be scheduled on May 31, 2025, in Menahga.

Memorials are preferred and may be directed to the Salvation Army. 

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia, MN.  To share condolences online, please visit:  www.baumanfuneralhome.com.