Melvin "Dean" Shook

Davis Junction – Melvin “Dean” Shook, age 82, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on April 19, 2021. He was born on October 16, 1938 in Creston, IL the son of Emmett and Rose (Luke) Shook. He married Mary Ennenga on July 5, 1958. He was a great carpenter and worked for many years in maintenance and carpentry while providing for anyone, not just his family. Dean was Baptized in the Abrahamic faith. He was an avid musician his entire life especially enjoying bluegrass. He loved involving his entire family with his music. He was an outdoorsman who could be found fishing or camping. In his spare time, he enjoyed going to the casino and using his CB radio with the handle of “Deano the Dinosaur.” He is a former member of REACT, which helped local law enforcement. Dean will always be remembered as a loving and thoughtful man who wanted to make the world a better place. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary of Davis Junction; daughters, Dena (Robert) Ruthe of Beloit, WI and Candy Archer of Davis Junction, IL; Grandchildren, Tonya (Darrell Crummer) Messer of Temple, TX, Elizabeth Ruthe of Beloit, WI, Melissa (Bobby) Frasure of Surprise, AZ, Nathan Little (Jennifer) of Edwardsburg, MI, William Little of Rockford, IL, Jessica Archer of Machesney Park, IL, and Joshua Archer of Rockford, IL; Great-grandchildren – Christina, Petra, Henry, Fiona, Coleman, Cooper, Nora, Halee, Hazen, Angela, William, Allie, Mason, and Hailey; Great-great-grandchildren Owen, Aspen, and Able; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Lowell, Ovid, Betty, Merrell, and Mary. A private funeral service will be held at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Stillman Valley with Pastor Willie Little officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-7pm on April 22,2021 at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Stillman Valley. Memorials are established in his name.