December 2, 1954 ~ December 1, 2025
Dennis “Denny” Lyle Shearman age 70 of Charles City, IA, died Monday, December 1, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 19, 2025, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton with Rev. Tom Heathershaw officiating. Inurnment will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, North Washington.
Friends are invited to greet the family from 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the funeral home in New Hampton before the Memorial Service.
Dennis Lyle Shearman, affectionately known as Denny to his friends and family, passed away on December 1, 2025. Born on December 2, 1954, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, the son of Lyle and Vivian (Brown) Shearman. Denny’s early years in the Colwell Schools and Charles City School District laid the foundation for his remarkable life journey. A man of great skill and dedication, he spent his career in the trucking industry, beginning with Mike’s line, moving on to hauling grain, and finally driving for Menards until his well-deserved retirement in 2020.
Denny’s life was one filled with love, laughter, and the open road, but it took a serendipitous turn one night at Electric Park in Waterloo. It was there, while at a dance with his brother Joe, that he was introduced to Karen Bass. Sparks flew, and the connection was undeniable. Denny and Karen united their lives in marriage on July 3, 1999, and thus began a journey filled with shared joys and unwavering companionship. Although Denny never had children of his own, he lovingly embraced Karen’s family as if they were his, creating bonds that were as strong and nurturing as any.
A man of simple pleasures, Denny’s love for dogs was evident in his cherished companions, Cody and Gabe, who were more than pets; they were family. He was an avid fisherman in his earlier years, but once he discovered the joys of golf, his passion for the sport grew, and he could often be found perfecting his swing and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts.
His taste in music and entertainment spoke of a man who cherished tradition and the thrill of competition. Old country tunes filled his home with warmth and nostalgia, while his enthusiasm for drag races and tractor pulls reflected his love for excitement and horsepower. Above all, Denny’s heart belonged to the Green Bay Packers, a team he supported with the fervor and loyalty that characterized so much of his life.
Denny’s Christian faith was a quiet yet guiding force throughout his life, providing him with comfort and strength. He lived his life with a sense of humor that was as infectious as it was endearing, and his friendly demeanor made him a beloved figure in his community. Denny had a warmth that people loved and his hugs were the best.
As we remember Dennis Lyle Shearman, we celebrate a life lived with integrity, humor, and kindness. His memory will be cherished and kept alive in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Denny is survived by his wife, Karen “Houser” Shearman of Charles City, IA; children, Denise (Dale) Goodrich of Fredericksburg, IA, Terry (Jan) Bass of Pensacola, FL, Steve (Karla) Bass of Milton, FL; six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren; step-daughter, Karen Youngerman and her family; mother, Vivian Brown of Cornell, WI; sisters, Kathy (Leon) Kuehn of Winfield, IA, Cheryl Shearman of Charles City, IA, Carol (Keith) Swanson of Holcombe, WI; and brother, Joe (Marcia) Shearman of Mason City, IA; in-laws, Diane (Darryl) Dietzenbach and Richard (Donna) Houser all of New Hampton, IA, Jack Mahan of Colwell, IA; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lyle; step-father, Gareth Brown; brother, Gary Shearman; in-laws, Sam and Gertie Houser; and sister-in-law, Lois Mahan.
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