John Shubeck - God

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Marine Corps Veteran • Farmer • Coach • Community Leader

John Shubeck was born in 1981 to Paul and Carol Shubeck and grew up with his three siblings in Centerville, South Dakota. His father farmed while his mother stayed home to raise their family. John attended Centerville Public School from kindergarten through 12th grade, participating in nearly every activity the school offered. He even managed to play the trumpet—although, as his wife will attest, rhythm may not be one of his strengths. John graduated from Centerville High School in 2000. 

After high school, John began college and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves in 2001. He enrolled in the Officer Candidates School program in 2002 and was mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

After returning to college, John walked onto the University of South Dakota track and field team. Competing in the decathlon and pentathlon, he was part of four North Central Conference Championship teams. He graduated in 2006, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, and entered active duty.

John led a reinforced platoon in Iraq during a 2008–2009 deployment and later led a company of Marines in Afghanistan in 2011. In 2012, he left active duty and returned to South Dakota, where he earned a master's degree in Plant Science from South Dakota State University. 

John continued serving in the Marine Corps Reserves and completed more than 20 years of service in November 2021. During his military career, he commanded Marine Corps units across the United States and around the world.

His military honors include the Bronze Star Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. 

John began farming while attending graduate school, bringing cattle back to the Shubeck farming operation. In 2014, John and his wife, Megan, moved back to Centerville, where he began farming full-time while continuing his Marine Corps Reserve service and coaching track.

From 2014–2016, John served as an assistant track coach at Mount Marty University, coaching several All-Americans and national meet qualifiers.

In 2016, he became head track coach at Centerville High School. Over the years, John has coached hundreds of student-athletes, including state champions and numerous state meet placers. His teams have earned five consecutive girls conference team championships and three top-eight finishes at the state meet. He has also helped seven athletes go on to earn college track and field scholarships. 

John was part of the leadership team that planted Seed Community Church in Centerville. In 2020, he joined a group of Christians who began meeting at the Centerville American Legion with the goal of establishing a new church.

Drawing on planning and leadership skills developed during his Marine Corps career, John helped build the church from the ground up. Seed Community Church has since grown to an average attendance of approximately 110 people each Sunday and is preparing to plant another church. 

John remains involved in veterans' organizations and agricultural advocacy organizations. In 2025, following the passing of Richard Vasgaard, John was appointed to complete his term representing South Dakota District 16 in the House of Representatives. 

John and Megan have been married for 19 years and have four children, all of whom attend Centerville Public School.

Whether serving his country, working on the farm, coaching young athletes, helping build his church, or volunteering in his community, service has remained a consistent part of John's life.

And, as John admits, he still has a difficult time saying no when someone asks him to help, including when the request involves a speaking engagement.