Dennis D. Shoemaker

Memorial services for Dennis D. Shoemaker, age 86, of Stanton, Nebraska will be 11:00 a.m. December 19, 2025, at First Christian Church, 1408 E. Benjamin Avenue, in Norfolk. Pastor Terry Comeford will officiate, with burial in Stanton Cemetery at a later date.  

Visitation with family will be one hour prior to service at the church. 

Home for Funerals of Norfolk is in charge of arrangements.

Dennis died Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Stanton Health Center.

Dennis Douglas Shoemaker was born May 28, 1939, to Elmer E. Dale and Ada L. Shoemaker in Omaha, Nebraska. His grandparents, William and Mary Shoemaker, helped raise him while his mother worked in Omaha. Dennis grew up in Stanton, Nebraska, where he attended public school, graduating from Stanton High School in 1959. He attended the U.S. Army Training Center at Fort Ord in Monterey Bay, California, Company A, 5th Battalion Group, 1st Brigade. He also attended barber school and Hastings College.

On August 4, 1962, Dennis married Carol J. Kerber at First Baptist Church in Norfolk. From that union, three children were born, Shelley, Renee, and David. They were married for over 19 years and later divorced.

On October 2, 1982, Dennis married Christine D. Templeman at First United Methodist Church in Yankton, South Dakota. From that union they had a daughter, Laura. They were married for over 19 years and later divorced.

In the 1970s and 1980s Dennis was employed at the former Nebraska Veterans Home in Norfolk where he served as the chaplain, bus driver, barber, and a geriatric technician. He also worked various jobs over the years, many which were as a technician or aide at hospitals and care facilities.

Throughout his lifetime Dennis loved playing the piano and singing, often sharing his talent in churches and nursing homes. When he was a boy, he even recorded a song. He enjoyed sharing his faith in God in the many Bible studies he attended. 

Dennis was a member of the Oddfellow Norfolk Lodge #46 and American Legion Post 88.

Dennis is survived by daughter, Renee (Jeff) Faulkner and their children, Brandon and Chelsea; daughter, Laura (Caleb) Jensen and their children, Joshua, Jacob, Maverick, and Aramis, all of Lincoln; son, David Shoemaker of Norfolk; and other relatives and friends.

 He was preceded in death by his daughter and son-in-law, Shelley (Bernard) Berck. 

Memorials may be designated to the family.

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