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Delbert W. Shager
Delbert W. Shager

It is with great sadness that the family of Delbert W. Shager announces his passing on Friday, August 9, 2019 at the age of 89.

Delbert was born on August 8, 1930 to William & Alma (Erickson) Shager. Delbert graduated from South Wayne High School in 1949 and attended the UW- Madison, Agricultural Short Course.

On September 25, 1955, Delbert and Gayle “Jean” Edwards were united in marriage at East Wiota Lutheran Church. Their devotion to each other was evident to everyone who knew them during their nearly 64 years of marriage.

Delbert was a dedicated farmer. With Jean by his side, together they built up an outstanding dairy herd, with each cow honored with her own name. In 1989 “Shagerland Dairy” had the top producing herd in Lafayette County. They also hosted a Holstein Twilight Event.

Delbert was a long-standing member of Wiota Lutheran Church. A man of faith, his dedication was regularly utilized by countless church committees and councils. With his retirement to Monroe, he and Jean then joined St. John’s United Church of Christ.

Delbert’s sense of community service was strong. He served on the Lafayette County Farm Bureau Board, FMHA, and the Wiota Fire Department. He enjoyed working in the fireman’s “Food Shack” each year over the 4th of July. Starting as a supervisor, Delbert served 16 years with the Wiota Township Board, of which 14 years he was town chairman.

Sports were an important and enjoyable part of Delbert’s life. Playing baseball, slow pitch, bowling in men’s and couple’s leagues, and golfing. He especially liked playing cards with family and friends, and he loved to dance. Delbert enjoyed watching the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers, but his heart and pride belonged to the Black Hawk Warriors. Delbert could be regularly spotted at their events, cheering for the team.

Delbert will be remembered as a friend and neighbor always willing to lend a helping hand. His greatest joy came from his family, and he loved them dearly.

Left to always remember and celebrate Delbert’s life is his cherished wife Jean and beloved children Craig (Amy) Shager and Lana (Werner) Pulver. All the treasured grandchildren: Chad (Tammy) Hartwig, Shane (Tonya) Hartwig, Cody Shager, Kristin (Scott Kline) Shager and Kendra (Casey Bellard) Shager. Step Grandchildren: Kelly Hendrickson and Todd Pulver. Great-Grandchildren: Trevor Hartwig, Azaria Hartwig, Jaxton and Silas Kline. Step-Great-Grandchild: Jessika Pulver. Brothers: Willard (Mavis) Shager and Donald (Margaret) Shager.

Some special friends, including some no longer with us: Sherman and Helen Anderson, Jerry and Kay Dwyer, Kenny and Ramona DeNure, David and Margie Edwards, David and Mary Jane Eisele, Scott and Debbie Fisher, Karen and Greg Hauser, Arleigh and Mary Lou Hanson, Dean & Chris Jorgenson, David and Peggy Meier, Harold & Heddy Shager, Roger and Donna Stoll, Roger and Janeen Trame, and many more.

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Charles and Luann Shager, father-in-law Cecil Edwards, mother-in-law and step-father-in-law Blanche and Norman Schemehorn, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Lois and Fritz Schultz.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Private family services will be held. The Erickson Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be expressed to Jean Shager at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Monroe Wi. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com