Richard James Shaver, 86, of Iola, Wisconsin went to his heavenly home on July 14, 2023. He was born on September 11, 1936 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to the late Ralph and Genevieve (Barrette) Shaver. He attended Marinette High School where he joined the Navy Seabees and after graduation became a proud member of the United States Marine Corp. In the spring of 1990 he met Dorothy Kilpin-Stanke in a recovery program in East Troy WI and they used to say, “We saved each other” and on July 29, 1993 they were united in marriage in Waupaca WI. They were blessed with 29 years, 349 days.
Richard’s first job at the age of 14, was delivering newspapers in Marinette. After high school he went on to earn an associate degree in Printing while attending technical college in Milwaukee. During his 51 years of employment in the printing and publication industry he worked for W.A.Krueger, Connecticut Printers and lastly joining Krause Publications in Iola in October of 1990 where he held the position of Production Manager until his retirement on December 31, 2001. He will be remembered as an honorable, fair man and always willing to listen. His integrity and impeccable work ethics were to be admired. After retirement he worked measuring homes and installing signs for Shaver Realty LLC, Dorothy’s business and when the need occurred, helped her see both sides of a situation in order to arrive at the best solution. He was great at that!
Richard was an avid golfer and enjoyed many rounds at his favorite course in Iola, Glacier Wood, with KP friends and family. And he became quite a gardener under the direction of Dorothy. They always had a landscaping project going on. She also enlisted him to help out at the Iola Children’s Garden when the need arouse. Richard had an eye for detail and enjoyed creating heirloom projects (mostly tables, he loved building tables) in his woodworking shop. There was really nothing he couldn’t do once he put his mind to it. At the time of his death he was a member of St Mary of Mt Carmel Catholic Church and the Town and Country Garden Club.
His beloved family (especially his seven very special grandchildren) and his many friends and his unwavering faith were of utmost important to him.
Richard is survived by his best friend Dorothy, Children: Doreen Skrepenski, Scott (Barb) Shaver and their children, Ben, Sam and Anna: Kevin (Amy) Shaver and their children, Nick and Austin. And Dorothy’s children: Robin Stanke, Greg and Angela Stanke and their children, Korina and Kylie, and great grandson Alekzander Skrepenski. Further survived by his Sister, Karolyn Olson and Sister in law, Marie Shaver and many loved and cherished nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his little buddy, Sadie – the cat.
He was preceded in death by his Son in law: Michael Skrepenski, Sister: Joan Meyer and Brother: John Shaver
Richard and Dorothy truly loved their years together in Iola because of so many wonderful and caring people including special neighbors: Mike, Julie, Hannah, and Carter Melum as well as best friends Oni, Caitlyn and Casey Hendricks.
A Memorial Mass will be held for Richard at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church-Fancher – 3995 County Road K, Amherst, on Saturday, July 29th at 11:00 AM with Father Jerzy Rebacz celebrant. Visitation will be held at the Voie Funeral Home, 120 S. Main Street, Iola, WI, on Friday, July 28th from 4-7 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held Saturday from 9:30 am – 10:45 am at the church. Private interment of cremains will take place in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in East Troy, Wisconsin at a later date.
Dorothy and family would like to thank the medical staff at THEDACARE in Waupaca for their excellent care Richard was given, especially RN Holly Boyle for her incredible act of kindness.
Memorial donations may be directed in memory of Richard to the St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church-Renovation Fund, P.O. Box 280, Amherst, Wisconsin 54406.
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Published by Voie Funeral Home – Iola on Jul. 19, 2023.
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