Beltrami County man Gregory P. Shogren, 66, dies in Tenstrike home

Gregory “Gregg” P. Shogren, 66, died at his home in Tenstrike on January 21, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. His passing removes a familiar face from local construction sites and community meetings, and it will be felt by the families he raised and the neighbors he counted as lifelong friends.

Born April 4, 1959, at home in Quiring Township, he was the son of William and June (Carlson) Shogren and the eighth of ten children. After the death of his mother, young Gregg and his brother Mike were cared for by the Moen family—Tootsie and Jimmy—relationships he treasured as “bonus family.” He graduated from Kelliher High School and apprenticed as a carpenter with Jimmy, then built a career as a cabinetmaker, contractor and later a building inspector. At various times Gregg also took a turn on the Tenstrike city council, helping shape local decisions.

Gregg met his first wife, Lou, in a moment remembered for its plain Midwestern warmth: “Gregg met the love of his life, Lou, at the cookstove of his family home when they both came in from hunting to start dinner.” They wed in 1980 and spent 33 years together until her passing in 2013. Together they raised three children in Tenstrike. He later remarried Darla (Jares) Shogren and continued to live in Tenstrike.

Family survivors include his wife Darla of Tenstrike and stepson Tyler (Leah). His sons are Jim (Kelley) Shogren and child Tommy of Duluth and Mike Shogren of Bemidji. His daughter is DeeDee (Mike) LeMier and their children Henry and Charlie of Park Rapids. Siblings include Roger “Gus” (Sue) Shogren of Quiring; Mike (Cheryl) Shogren of Menah, AR; Mary Lou (Elert) Helm of Frazee; Patricia (Al) Kuschner of Portland, OR; Bonnie (Alfredo) Padron of Bemidji; Kathy Rosenberg of Bemidji; and Laura (Kevin) Helblad of Saum. He is also survived by sister-in-law Debbie (Ron) Tuck of Bemidji, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and their families.

Those who knew Gregg remember his practical lessons and steady presence: “He fiercely loved his children and taught them to be good neighbors and hard workers, and to value character over material things.” His work as a tradesman and inspector left practical marks on homes and businesses across the area, and his municipal service reflected small-town civic duty.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 9:00 AM at Tenstrike Community Church, 145 Dudrey St, Tenstrike, MN 56683. A funeral service will follow at 10:00 AM at the same location. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Cease Family Funeral Home. Cease offices can be reached at: Bagley - 407 Getchell Avenue NE, P.O. Box 87, Bagley, MN 56621, (218) 694-6600; Bemidji - 2807 Irvine Avenue NW, Bemidji, MN 56601, (218) 751-9700; Blackduck - 81 Main Street South, P.O. Box 376, Blackduck, MN 56630, (218) 835-3300; Nevis - 105 Main Street, Nevis, MN 56467, (218) 652-3105; Park Rapids - 710 West 1st Street, Park Rapids, MN 56470, (218) 732-7264.

For Tenstrike and the surrounding area, Gregg’s death underscores the role that local tradespeople and small-town public servants play in keeping communities functioning. Residents who want to pay respects may attend the visitation or service, send flowers, or leave a message as the family sees fit.