It is with deep sorrow and much love that the family of Gayle “Jean” Shager announces her passing on Monday, March 8, 2021 at the age of 84. Jean Shager, Monroe, formally of South Wayne, WI passed away at the Monroe Clinic Hospice Home.
Jean was born on April 17, 1936, daughter of Cecil and Blanche (Haeft) Edwards. Her elementary schooling was at West Wayne School, a one room school in rural South Wayne. She was a 1954 graduate of South Wayne High School and attended Madison Business College. Jean worked at Woodmanse Pump Company, Freeport, IL in accounting until her marriage.
Jean was at a dance in South Wayne, held above the Meier’s Kaiser-Frazer Garage when she met Delbert. In Jean’s own words she couldn’t resist his big blue eyes or those long curly eyelashes. Delbert Shager and Jean were united in marriage on September 25, 1955 at the East Wiota Lutheran Church. They were devoted to each other for their nearly 64 years of marriage.
Delbert and Jean farmed in Wiota Township most of their married life. With Jean and Delbert working alongside each other, “Shagerland Dairy” thrived. A hard-working farm wife, Jean kept meticulous book keeping records for the farm. Driving their JD 50 or JD 60 model tractors, she helped put in crops and harvest them. The family was always well fed with Jean’s garden produce. Working well past midnight after all the other farm chores were done, she canned produce and meat.
Jean taught Sunday school at East Wiota Lutheran Church for many years. She enjoyed bible study and being a member of the Deborah Circle, the many church activities, worship and fellowship. She worked several years as an election poll worker.
With their retirement to Monroe, they joined St. John’s United Church of Christ.
Jean enjoyed dancing, bowling, sewing, reading, playing cards and belonging to various card clubs through the years. She was an excellent cook and baker. Jean also enjoyed gardening and liked adding new plants, shrubs and trees at her residences in South Wayne and Monroe. She had a love of animals, spoiling many special cats and dogs.
Jean was known for her kind and giving heart. Always a good listener, she had a genuine interest in the story of people she met. Her heartfelt empathy for family and friends moved her to care and help anyone in need.
Left to always remember and celebrate Jean’s life are her 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, Kendra Jean (Casey) Bellard; Step-Grandchildren: Kelly Hendrickson and Todd Pulver; Great Grandchildren: Trevor Hartwig, Azaria Hartwig, Jaxton and Silas Kline. Step Great-Grandchild: Jessika Pulver. Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law: Donald and Margaret Shager, Sister-in-Law: Mavis Shager; Sister of her heart: Heddy Shager; Special cousin Candace Becke and her family. Also, many special friends that unforgettably touched her life.
Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband Delbert in 2019, her parents, step father Norman Schemehorn, parents-in-law William and Alma Shager, sister and brother-in-law Lois and Fritz Schultz, brother-in-law Willard Shager, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Charles and Luann Shager.
Jean’s most cherished role was that of a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Family was what mattered most to her. We were so blessed to have had such a wonderful and loving woman as our mother. Through her love and support, her wise words, her strength and generous heart, we knew that we were Mom’s number one priority. She will be forever in our hearts. “Love Never Ends…” 1 Corinthians 13:8
Jean will rest with her husband at East Wiota Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Special thanks to the staffs at Monroe Clinic Hospice Home and Pleasant View Nursing Home for all their care and support.
Private family services will be held. The Erickson Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com
