"Your loved one was a blessing to you and so many others. When Fr. Brian was assigned to St. Andrew's in Blue Grass, my entire family felt very blessed to have such a wonderful spiritual leader. He celebrated two of my daughters' weddings and the Baptism of three grandchildren. My daughters and I were the "decorators" for the church and Fr. Brian was very easy to work with. He encouraged us to get as many Christmas trees as we needed. I think we stopped with 27 of various sizes over the years, all with white lights; truly a beautiful sight behind the altar as he served Mass. When he found out that we raised dogs he always stopped by to see the litters. He became very attached to one of the black lab puppies who later became Sidney. Then would share stories about Violet and Sidney and how well they got along. When he was transferred to Victor, my family and I stopped in for Mass during the Christmas holiday to surprise him. Afterwards we went to brunch and then back to his house to visit and admire all of his beautiful decorations and antiques. He was so personable! My 95 year old mother passed away on this past Father's Day. I knew that Fr. Brian had been reassigned to Mt. Pleasant and was most likely in the "moving" process. I didn't want to bother him so I didn't try to reach him. How I regret that decision now. He meant so much to our family and I know that he would have helped us all with words of encouragement, I am so pleased that our paths crossed, because my life has been changed for the better by meeting someone so extraordinary. He often spoke about his loving family. Barb, Tom, neices and nephews, you all had a special place in his heart. May God bless you all and grant you peace and comfort at this difficult time. With love, Bonnie Strong"
In loving memory of
Father Brian Shepley
December 6, 2016
Reverend Brian J. Shepley, 54, a priest of the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa, died suddenly on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, at his home in Mt. Pleasant, IA.The Rosary will be recited at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, December 11, 2016, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 607 S. Jackson St., Mt. Pleasant, IA. The family will greet friends following The Rosary until the time of the Christian Vigil Service, which will be held at 5:00 p.m., at the church. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, December 12, 2016, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, with Bishop Martin J. Amos, celebrating. Interment will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, December 13, at Calvary Cemetery in Charles City, IA. Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel of Mt. Pleasant, assisted by Bentley Funeral Home of Durant, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that gifts of love and friendship be given to Immaculate Conception Elementary School in Charles City, IA, or the Priest's Aid Society which offers assistance to retired priests. On-line condolences may be directed to www.olsonpowell.com. Born on January 27, 1962, in Charles City, IA, Brian John was the son of John D. and Eleanor C. (Ewen) Shepley. He graduated from Charles City Community Senior High School in 1980. A 1983 graduate of North Iowa Area Community College, Brian continued his education, receiving a B.A. degree in philosophy from St. Ambrose University in 1988. Honoring his love for the Lord, Brian obtained his Master of Divinity at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corner, WI, in 1992. Fr. Shepley was ordained June 12, 1992, by Most Reverend Gerald O'Keefe, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in DeWitt, IA. Fr. Shepley's first assignment in the Davenport Diocese was as Parochial Vicar at All Saints' Catholic Church, Keokuk, IA, along with teaching religion at Cardinal Stritch Catholic Schools in Keokuk. In July 1995, he was appointed Parochial Vicar at St. Mary's Parish, in Iowa City, IA. Fr. Shepley was assigned as pastor for St. Mary's Parish in Wilton, IA, and chaplain of Assumption High School in Davenport, IA. He also has served as pastor for St. Bridget Church in Victor, IA, and St. Patrick Church in Brooklyn, IA, before his current assignment in Mt. Pleasant. Fr. Shepley served on the Iowa Catholic Conference as a representative for the Diocese of Davenport. Most recently, on the Feast of St. Andrew, November 30, 2016, he celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination as a Deacon in the Catholic Church and was looking forward to his silver jubilee as a priest in 2017. An avid dog lover, Fr. Shepley treasured the time spent with his beloved companions, a black lab, Sydney, and currently his two dachshunds, Violet and Sammy. He was a wonderful cook and enjoyed sharing his talents with family and friends. He liked antiques and traveling with family and friends. Fr. Shepley had special gift of ministry for the bereaved and suffering. Fr. Shepley is survived by his sister, Barbara (Les) Graham of Eyota, MN; a brother, Tom (Jennifer) Shepley of Chester, VA; four nieces, Erin (Lane) Johnson, Emily (Russ) Gehling, AnnaMarie Koehler-Shepley, and Audrey Shepley; and two nephews, Andrew Graham and John Shepley.Along with his parents, Fr. Shepley was preceded in death by aunts and uncles. Cemetery Details Calvary Cemetery Charles City, IA, 50616 Rosary DEC 11. 02:00 PM St. Alphonsus Catholic Church 607 South Jackson Street Mt. Pleasant, IA, US, 52641 http://stalphonsus.weconnect.com Family will be present DEC 11. 02:15 PM - 04:45 PM St. Alphonsus Catholic Church 607 South Jackson Street Mt. Pleasant, IA, US, 52641 http://stalphonsus.weconnect.com Christian Vigil DEC 11. 05:00 PM St. Alphonsus Catholic Church 607 South Jackson Street Mt. Pleasant, IA, US, 52641 http://stalphonsus.weconnect.com Funeral Mass DEC 12. 10:30 AM St. Alphonsus Catholic Church 607 South Jackson Street Mt. Pleasant, IA, US, 52641 http://stalphonsus.weconnect.com
Tributes
"Father Brian often reminded us that "our God is a loving God." God's love has claimed him for His own, and he lives in It's glory now. My prayers go to all his loved ones and to his special intentions. Colleen Riedel, of St. Bridget Parish, Victor Iowa"
"Fr. Brian was our priest in Wilton when my children were young. He was so kind and caring as they boys learned to be servers and he always made them feel special and important. I believe that he is a big part of the faith that my children still hold to today. May God bring you peace and comfort in knowing how much love and joy he shared with so many. He was a great man and a great priest. We will always remember him with a smile in our soul."
"Love and prayers to Fr. Brian's family. He was our pastor for just a few years at St. Andrew Parish in Blue Grass, Iowa. He was such warm and caring person with a huge personality. I'll never forget the time he showed up for Mass with blonde tips in his hair. It showed how young and fun-loving he was. I missed him greatly when he was assigned elsewhere, and now the whole world will miss him."
"As cousin to our sister-in-law Carol Kuhn, we feel Father Brian is a member of our extended family. We shared many meals, laughter and stories during our family get-togethers. We were looking forward to sharing his joy of celebrating his 25th anniversary in the priesthood. We believe he will be celebrating that joy face to face with Jesus. We will treasure our memories of Father Brian.--- Chris, Nancy & John Kuhn"
"Father Brian was a very special person to me, as he was to many, many people. His kindness will not be forgotten.Brendan YoungPort Byron, IL"
"When my mom was dying Fr. Brian was there. When my mother in-law passed away Fr. Brian was there again, traveling a long distance just to be with our family. It meant a lot to us. Our prayers are with all of his loved ones. Al Kuhn family."
"When my father was in the veterans hospital in Iowa City,Father Shepley was the Chaplin and visited him in his room. My father was dying and was very scared. After his visit with Father Shepley, my father was not scared anymore. I believe God sends special people into our lives at important times in our lives. I believe God sent Father Shepley to my father to comfort him before his journey home. I will always be grateful to this special man. To the people that did not have the chance to meet this man, I mourn for you. To all the people who knew Father Shepley , know that this special man is now home. Daryl Kriegel, member of Saint Patricks in Marengo, iowa"
"I grew up with Brian in Charles City. We have been friends for over 40 years. He officiated my wedding. One of the kindest, most generous person I ever knew. I can honestly say that I loved him like a brother. Till we meet again old friend."
"Father Shepley meant a lot to my family. He was always there when we needed him. With being the organist at St. Patricks, I got to know him pretty well. Our family will miss him. May you rest in peace Father.Marilyn"
"I just met Fr. Brian three weeks ago during the Thanksgiving holiday while visiting family in Mt. Pleasant. When introduced he said, " Oh, my sister's name is Barbara too." I was so impressed at his friendly way with everyone and can see why the parishioners were so happy to have him assigned as Pastor at St. Alphonsus. He will be greatly missed. Mass was offered for him at Holy Name Monastery, Benedictine Sisters of Florida, St Leo, Florida. My sympathy goes out to his sister Barbara and brother, Tom,Barbara MolloyOblate, Order of St. Benedict"
"Brian was a member of a group I belong to and we often talked about our love for our elderly pets. We laughed about the things we did to take care of them because we loved them so much. Violet and Sammy will miss him dearly, as will I.Jackie WellbornIowa City"
"To the family of Father Brian, I am so very sorry for your loss, I enjoyed him when he was at St. Mary's in Iowa City. I had the opportunity to later care for him at Mercy Iowa City following surgery and ran in to him during a shopping trip to Galena! I remember that Advent was his favorite time during the church year since purple was his favorite color. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult and sad time. Heaven has gained a wonderful angel for Christmas this year."
"Father Brian was my pastor for 12 years in Brooklyn. He was very good with my special needs son,Brian. Over the years we had many laughs and even tears now and then. He will truly be missed by many. May he rest in peace."
"Father Shepley was a great inspiration to all those who got to know him. He would go out of his way to visit with the elderly that could not make it to him. He also helped my daughter through a very rough time, Bless his caring heart. He will be greatly missed. Sending Deepest Sympathy to the family. Beverly Bartachek"
"Fr. Brian's second priestly assignment was here at St. Mary's in Iowa City. He had such a compassionate heart! When my father was dying, Fr. Brian came and anointed him right away - which brought great consolation to our family. Fr. Brian knew I would not leave my father's side, so when dad entered the emergency room for the last time, Fr. Brian came to the hospital very early in the morning...a toothbrush for me in hand. :) I have never forgotten that small act of kindness.Fr. Brian was a thoughtful, caring priest/man whom I was blessed to call a friend. I will miss him and his laughter here on earth.My thoughts and prayers are with you Barb, Tom, and nieces/nephews.Patti McTaggart"
"My husband and I met Fr. Brian in Keokuk. He was such a wonderful addition to the parish of All Saints. He was able to connect with and motivate our son in a very positive way, for which we will always be grateful. We are so very sorry to lose him."
""My sympathy to the family of Fr. Shepley. He was gone way too soon from life !! He had a wonderful gift of comforting others, esp. those that were grieving from a death in the family. He will be missed by so many. He helped many people and we are very sad he is gone. May God grant him eternal rest. Amen " Jan Bringmann - St. Bridget's - Victor, Iowa"
"One Tuesday morning at our mens prayer group at St. Alphonsus, I asked for prayer to help me with an injection into my back that afternoon and Father Brian asked me if I would like him to anoint me with holy oil for healing. He did the annoiting and prayed over me. That afternoon I went to my Dr. appointment to get me injection, and the pain was gone. The Dr. satd I didn't need a shot and to continue with what I was doing. I told him what had happened and that was what cured me. Thank you again Father Brian. Enjoy being with our loving savior. Jim Hetherington"
"Dear Family of Father Brian Shepley, I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember when Father Shepley served in Iowa City. On behalf of staff and students at Regina Elementary in Iowa City, we send you our deepest prayers. Blessings, Celeste Vincent"
"Father Brian provided strength and comfort to our family when my Mother-in-law was diagnosed and lost her battle to cancer. His support during this difficult time was truly appreciated. Our sympathy to his family for their loss.Janet Rhinehart & family"
"So sorry to hear about your brother Barb. Definitely way too young."
"Fr. Brian was a very special person and my mother, Mrs. Loretta Brown taught Fr. Shepley at IC School in Charles City. She was so very honored that he invited her to his Ordination of which she attended. We were all very honored & comforted when he made a special visit to my mom when my dad died. He truly knew how to comfort and celebrate with all those around him. Such a great loss for so many. :("
"Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Father Brian Shepley."
"Iowa Catholic Conference purchased the Days of Sunshine Bouquet for the family of Father Brian Shepley."
"I was in my early teens when Father Brian came to All Saints Church, and like most Priest's my mother and all of her friends welcomed him into our family with open arms. Father Brian was fun spirited, loving and a blast to be around. I remember when he found out that my mom and dad and brothers and I would be going to the Billy Joel Elton John concert at Busch Stadium and he wanted to go. My mom got him a ticket and he went with us. upon looking at his ticket then ours he noticed that his ticket was a better seat than the ones we had so he offered to give my mother his ticket because he knew how much she loved Billy Joel. It was simple things like this that Father Brian selflessly did for others. He was a regular at Tipenbuds, my families grill and we all enjoyed his friendship. I simply can't believe that he is gone, though I have not seen him in many years stories told by my brothers and mother of the fun they use to have always made me remember him. My mother Linda Passed away December 3rd of 2015 and I know deep in my heart that she was waiting in heaven with open arms to welcome her friend. We all have loved ones that we have lost and it is hard to deal with at times but, it's the fun times and funny things that help us remember the loved one that's gone from us until we are able to be in heaven with them. This is twice in one year I can say with honesty that I am praying for Father Brians family and the friends that he loved so dearly. Rest in peace my good friend and if you don't mind would you please tell my mom hi for me....."
"Fr. Shepley was with our St. Alphonsus family for just a little while. Immersing himself in Old Threshers, Fall Festival, attending various church organizations immediately. He made a difference in our parish life in just the short time he was with us,Thank you Mary Ann Messer"
"We were so lucky to have him at All Saints Church in Keokuk!! Can not believe it was only 3 years because he touched us and our families for a life time!!"
"Father Brian was a wonderful priest. He had a calming effect that brought people together. He jumped right in here at St. Alphonsus and participated and lead in all events. A truly special man, we were honored to know. May he rest in peace with his lord.Stephen Slobodnik Family"
"Where to start - Brian the most kind, sensitive person that I had the privilege of being related to. A lot of us cousins grew up together and had celebrated many holidays. All the families would gather and we would have fabulous meals, fabulous conversations, and fabulous fun! Father Brian had a special calling that made him a fine priest! His ability to converse with everyone made you feel special! We cousins even got him to 'drag' main street with us when we were home visiting our parents! Something none of us had done in forty years! What fun! There is always something special about growing up with family! Unfortunately many of us had to relocate with our spouses and our children did not get to experience growing up with lots of cousins! My most heartfelt condolences to Barb, Tom and their families. All the cousins and their families. But most especially thank you Father Brian for being who you were and what you did for all of us who came in contact with you! May you rest in peace!One of the cousins, Dian Ewen Hauenstein"
"Bob and I were very close to Father Brian! We would often come to our home just to visit and loved stories of my Russian upbringing! When Bob passed away Brian gave a beautiful eulogy and presented me with a CD of the mass. When I moved to assisted living he would often just drop in and visit - he made every conversation special - Brian had a wonderful gift of conversation! My sincere condolences to Barb and Tom and their families, cousins and their families, and friends who loved Brian like I loved Brian. There is a very special place in Heaven for Brian. Rest in peace.With much love, your godmother, Val Ewen"
"All students and staff at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology prayed for Fr. Brian and family today at Mass. We had to go find his graduation photo in the hallway where all alumni are on display and say a prayer for him. What a loss for the diocese. Peace and blessings to his family."
"St. Alphonsus and the Diocese has lost a wonderful friend and priest. He was just settling in and so well like by his parishioners. We will miss him dearly! God Bless you Father Brian rest In Peace:pray::skin-tone-2: Peace Love and Prayers to his family and friends. Bob and Marlene Donnolly"
"So sorry to hear of Brian's passing. My condolences to Tom and the family."
"So sorry to hear of our dear friend father brian the memories of him stopping in to the store seeing something purple green in a vase or something that was a present for him will miss our chats and good times this christmas will be thinking of him and all the special christmas stuff he had shared loved the stories he told getting them rest in peace dear friend We will miss you!!!all our love and prayers to you all jim and marcia white"
"I feel so grateful to have known Brian and to have had him as my friend. I will miss him, as will many others. Thank you, Brian, for being a part of my life.Barbara Vinograde"
"Father Brian was a great friend. He married my daughter, baptized my grandson, niece and said many special masses for my family. He was a wonderful priest. I have such great memories of him. We loved to antique together and always bragged about who could find the best bargain. He sent me a picture of his latest on Saturday with him and Santa. I will cherish this one! I find it fitting that he left us yesterday on the feast of St. Nicholas, as he loved Christmas! My prayers go out to his sister Barb and brother Tom and their families. May you find comfort knowing that he touched so many lives in a spiritual way. May you find peace, Father Brian. I will miss you dearly.Mary Jo & Dave Seaton & familySt Patrick Brooklyn"
"Father Brian married both my wife and I and my brother and his wife and baptized our children. I am happy to have been able to call him a friend from when he lived in Keokuk and enjoyed speaking with him. He was a good man and will continue the Lord's work in heaven"
"1 file added to the album New Album Name"
"Brian was a dear friend and will be VERY missed."
"Father Brian has a special place in our hearts. On Oct. 5th my husband passed away at the VA hospital. Father Brian came to visit him Oct.3 and anointed him. It was wonderful having him o this as he had been in Keokuk a few years and that made it special. Our prayers are with the family and special friends.Theresa McAuliffe and family"
"To the Family of Father Brian Shepley, Tom my prayers are with you all. DeLois Weeks & Family Columbia SC"
"Father Brian was a very close friend. We had him over for many suppers. He sure could eat!! We loved hearing his stories about his dogs and his growing up. He always had a "smart" comment to say and it would make us laugh. He shares the name and birthdate with our son Brian and always said with a smile that he is forgiven. Father will be missed dearly. He is gone too soon. Kenny Cadden Family"
"So sorry to hear that Father Brian Shepley has passed away. He was a nice person. He officiated over my wedding and also my daughter's First Communion this May. Such a shock to hear. My prayers are with his family."