We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. How Shakespeare knew how to describe the bond with which the Class of 1974 feels is impossible to tell. All I know is that I have not seen Shep in years but at his passing, I feel a piece of that band of brothers is missing. I remember Shep arriving in Mason City in 1972 from Valparaiso, Indiana (I hope the memory is holding). A quiet non-assuming tall kid with nearly white hair. When he stepped onto the football field that year, he upped my game a lot. Sprints now became a competition as Shep always brought his “A” game. My lazy ass got pushed and I was better for it. Shep was the best wide-out I ever played with. Moves that left defenders like a statue. Speed that let him be found alone behind the secondary often. And most important for me, just when I needed it, he’d be there with a block that made me look good. He was also the best blocking wide-out I ever played with. I have a rock in my stomach today, but know that he is up there waiting to throw a block for me. I know I’ll need it. Rest in Peace Brother. God Bless your family. I’ll see you soon.

We are so sorry to hear about Mark. We remember how proud his parents were to have Mark for a son. We worked with his Mother, Mary Shepard, for many years at Mercy in Mason City and would like an address for Mary to send her a card.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.