Dean Alvin Shinneman

Dean Alvin Shinneman, peacefully passed away at his home in Colorado with his family by his side, November 4, 2021. Dean was 101 years old. Dean was born June 28, 1920 in Weldon, IL on the Shinneman family †œhomestead†�/ farm to Edith Gobel Shinneman and Loyd Cecil Shinneman. His mother was a midwife/healer. His father was a farmer, insurance agent and ran a service station/garage in Weldon, IL. Dean attended the University of Illinois, in Champaign, IL where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. He enlisted in the Navy, attended officers training school at Columbia College in New York City, NY, followed by a South Pacific tour during World War II. After the war Dean accepted hi first teaching position at Roxanna High School, in Roxanna, Illinois teaching book keeping and business education. Dean spent his summers in Evanston, IL completing his MBA from Northwestern University. Dean meet the love of his life, Anne, who was teaching kindergarten in Roxanna, IL. They were married June 11,1950 at the Roxanna Methodist Church. Dean took a position in Park Ridge, IL, as the business manager for the school district. Dean and Anne were thrilled to welcome Larry into the family April 1954. The family then moved to Downers Grove where Dean took a position as business manager and obtained his Doctorate in Business Administration from Northern Illinois University. Sara joined the family in 1957 and later David in 1962. The families next move took them to St. Charles, IL. In 1968, Dean accepted a position in Lake Forest, Illinois where he served as the Assistant Superintendent of School District 67. Dean retired in 1985, he kept busy consulting for the district, volunteering at Lake Forest Presbyterian Church, playing more golf and traveling with Anne. Dean and Anne moved to Palm Harbor, Florida in 1985 where they enjoyed the tropical weather and traveling with friends and family. Dean spent lots of time on the golf course. Dean and Anne†™s final home was in Westminster, Colorado where Dean lived from 1995 up until his passing last November. He had a deep love of the mountains and enjoyed living in Colorado. Dean married his second wife, Bonnie in 2003 and they enjoyed traveling, until her passing in 2020. Dean lived a long, happy and full life. He was an optimistic and happy man who always recognized and brought out the best in people. Dean was a devout Christian and lived his life serving and helping others. He always had a smile on his face and was thrilled to see everyone!! He had a great love for his family and friends and it was evident in everything that he did. Dean took his family on annual camping/road trips across the United States. Visiting National Parks and enjoying the great outdoors. His children inherited his love of the outdoors and love for travel. Dean†™s ancestors came from Germany and settled in the United States in 1743. He was a proud member of the Son†™s of the American Revolution. He belonged to the Masonic Lodge for many years. Dean was a founding member of ASBO, Association of School Business Officials International. He served as president several years. He was an active member of Rotary well into his 90†™s. He was with the Boy Scouts of America and Indian Guides. Dean adored his children and all of his grandchildren, spending as much time as possible with them...vacationing with them, attending football games, soccer games, having overnights, and he was even known to tutor them on occasion! The family loved to celebrate holidays and birthdays with family get togethers and great food! Family was everything to him. Dean was proceeded in death by his wife, Anne in 2003. His son, Larry 2011, and his second wife Bonnie in 2020. Dean is survived by his daughter, Sara Long of Montana (Jim), his son, David Shinneman of Colorado, (Birgit), 8 grandchildren, Eve Daniels, Bonnie Eul, Kristi Kaminski,(Chris), Jackson Long, Matthew Long and Kayla Schneider, Kyle Shinneman and Kody Shinneman and 6 great grandchildren, Myranda Tzimpus, Styphanie Tzimpus, Ryan Kaminski, Adelyn Schneider, Landon Schneider, and Greyson Schneider. Dean will be remembered by his family as a loving and supportive father and grandfather and to the community he served as most generous. Dean†™s first church visit was to the Weldon Methodist Church on July 8, 1920, when he was 10 days old. His memorial service is being held at the very same church almost 102 years later. Dean†™s celebration of life is being held on June 10,2022 at 1 pm. He will be buried with Anne, his wife of 53 years. His service will be held at the Weldon Methodist Church, followed by his internment at the Dewitt County Cemetery, Weldon, Illinois. All are welcome. Dean is coming full circle, coming †œhome†�. Dean†™s soul now rests with the Lord.