Richard James Shaver
September 11, 1936 – July 14, 2023
Richard James Shaver, 86, of Iola, Wisconsin, went to his heavenly home on July 14, 2023.
He was born on Sept. 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, Wisconsin, and they used to say, “We saved each other” and on July 29, 1993, they were united in marriage in Waupaca, Wisconsin. They were blessed with 29 years.
Richard’s first job at the age of 14 was delivering newspapers in Marinette, Wisconsin. After high school he earned an associate degree in Printing while attending college in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
During his 51 years of employment in the printing and publication industry he worked for W.A.Krueger, World Color Press, 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 Dec. 31, 2001. He will be remembered as honorable and fair man and always willing to listen as well as his extremely high work ethic.
After retirement he worked 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.
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 arose.
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 two area garden clubs.
His beloved family and his many friends and his unwavering faith were of utmost important to him.
He is survived by loving and devoted wife Dorothy of 29 years; children: Doreen Skrepenski, Scott (Barbara) 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.
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.
He was preceded in death by his son-in-law Michael Skrepenski, sister Joan Meyer, and brother John Shaver.
A Memorial Mass will be held for Richard at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church-Fancher, 3995 County Road K, Amherst, Wisconsin, on Saturday, July 29, at 11 a.m. with Fr. Jerzy Rebacz celebrant. Visitation will be held at the Voie Funeral Home, 120 S. Main Street, Iola, on Friday, July 28, from 4-7 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held Saturday from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the church. Private interment of cremains will take place in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in East Troy, Wisconsin, at a later date.
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.