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Visitation:
Monday, June 15, 2026, from 9 - 11 a.m. at
Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln.
Service:
Monday, June 15, 2026, at 11 am. at the funeral
home.
Funeral home:
Fricke-Calvert-Schrader, Lincoln
Obituary
Allen "Dean" Shirley
finished his last lap when he passed away peacefully
on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, a man of incredible work
ethic and passion, Dean lived a life defined by hard
work, high speeds, and independence.
Dean was born October 8, 1931, in Hartsburg, IL, the
son of Lowell and Matilda (Behrends) Shirley. He
married Luella Mammen on February 17,1950. She
preceded him in death in 2021.
Dean is survived by his children, Kathy A. (Michael)
Andrews, Mona S. Schleder, Leon (Deb) Shirley, and
David (Rhonda) Shirley; grandchildren, Aaron,
Anthony, Kimberly, Ryan, Christopher, Nathan,
Sondra, Leah, Evan, and Brandy; great-grandchildren:
Nolan, Isaac, Clara, Lily, Abby, Zak, Paityn, Kaiya,
and Talan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife,
Luella; son, Lowell Shirley; grandson, Ryan Schleder;
and his two sisters, Priscilla Rademaker and Jenny
Lou Boughn. He was the last of his immediate family.
As a farmer and co-owner/operator of the original
D&D Sewer service, he possessed a deep commitment to
the community where his word was his bond and his
dedication to quality left a lasting impact to those
he served.
For those who knew Dean best, his sanctuary was
found where the dirt meets the tires. Dean had a
lifelong passion for racing, winning several
championships in sprint and midget cars. Whether he
was on the track, a tractor, or a backhoe, he loved
being in the dirt. He always said, "It’s not work if
you love what you do."
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When he wasn’t working
the fields, managing a job site, or chasing a
checkered flag, Dean could often be found playing
cards. He loved the strategy, the stories, and the
competition.
Above all his achievements, Dean’s greatest legacy
is his family. He was a proud man who instilled the
values of resiliency, integrity, and passion in his
children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He
was a provider, leader, and friend whose presence
will be deeply missed.
Funeral services for Dean will be held at 11:00 am
on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader
Funeral Home in Lincoln. Visitation will take place
two hours prior, from 9:00 - 11:00 am, also at the
funeral home. Burial will follow the service at
Hartsburg Union Cemetery. Dean and Luella were
members of Lincoln Christian, and the family has
requested that memorials be made in their name to
the church.
Click here to send a note of condolence to the family of Allen
"Dean" Shirley
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