GLENWOOD, Minn. — The wife of the Pope County deputy who was slain last Saturday thanked the community for its ongoing support.
A statement by Shannon Owen was read by her husband’s cousin, Josh Palmateer, at a news conference Thursday at the Pope County Courthouse in Glenwood.
Also present were Shannon Owen and Pope County Deputy Eric Thesing, along with other family members.
Deputy Josh Owen was shot during a domestic violence call in Cyrus and later died at the Glenwood hospital on his 44th birthday. He leaves behind his wife, Shannon, and son, Rylan.
“I want to start by thanking everyone who has come out and supported Rylan and me over the last few days,” Palmateer read from the statement. “The outpouring of love from our law enforcement family and our broader community has been amazing, and I’m so grateful. I’ve never received this much support for anything.”
In the statement, Shannon Owen said the community has been there for her when she didn’t know what to do.
“In the hours of darkness, you’ve wrapped your arms around my son and me, to help us get through this enormous loss,” she said.
Josh and Shannon Owen were together for 18 years, the last 12 of which were spent in Pope County.
“Even through the tears and all the emotions, I can still see Josh everywhere,” her statement said. “In the pictures that decorate our fridge, in the fire pit he built by hand, and in the neighborhood we call home.
“Josh was the most incredible man and such a devoted father to Rylan. He was selfless, and would help anyone who asked, and even saw where he could help out those who hadn’t even asked yet.”
In her statement, Shannon Owen said that many people have asked her how she is doing over the past few days.
“Honestly, I’m overwhelmed,” she said in the statement. “Our family and friends have run the gamut of emotions. We’ve smiled and laughed at memories, and we’ve shed tears for the man who was stolen from our lives.
“While it’s been a whirlwind since that awful night when he did not come home, I’ve found a few quiet moments. To say I’m sad doesn’t come close to covering some of those moments. Maybe more than that, I’m angry. I’m angry that this happened, I’m angry that his beautiful life was cut short, and I’m angry that my son’s father was taken from him far too soon. It wasn’t supposed to be this way.”
Shannon Owen also wrote that she feels she must be strong for her son, herself and the community.
“Losing Josh will never go away, ever,” she said in the statement. “The cameras and media will pack up, and many people will go back to their daily lives, but for me and Rylan, this new reality will never end. There will forever be a hole in our family that Josh’s presence and light filled.
“As in the days and weeks past, I ask you to please continue to lift us up in prayers as we go through the next few days, weeks and months and years. Pray for the safety of our deputies and police. Continue to share Josh’s story with each other. Share his legacy. In this way, we can help his spirit last forever. Thank you.”
A second Pope County deputy and a Starbuck police officer were also shot during a gunfight with the 34-year-old domestic violence suspect, who was killed after authorities say he opened fire upon being told that he would be arrested. The lawmen were not seriously injured.
Visitation for Owen will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Minnewaska Area High School in Glenwood. Visitation will continue from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the high school, followed by funeral services at 10:30 a.m.
Gov. Tim Walz has ordered all Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on Saturday in honor and remembrance of Owen.
