Kevin L. Shager, age 67, of rural Wiota, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at SSM Health – Monroe Hospital in Monroe, Wisconsin.
Kevin was the eldest child born to Willard and Mavis (Anderson) Shager on January 29, 1958, in Platteville, WI. He grew up in Danforth, Illinois, where some of his dear friends still live. In 1972, the Shager family returned to Wiota, where Kevin graduated from Black Hawk High School in 1976 and Southwest Technical College in 1978. Kevin and Diana were married in 1984 and raised three daughters together before divorcing in 2011. In 2013, Kevin was united in marriage to Pam LaRue at Apple Grove Lutheran Church, and together they made their home on the farm, sharing a life full of love, hard work, and faith.
Before farming, Kevin worked road construction alongside his grandpa Anderson and then, he found his calling working the land in Wiota alongside his dad and brother right up until his last days. Farming wasn’t just his work—it was his way of life. He poured his heart into the land and took great pride in creating a place where his family could gather and grow. He and his dad were founding members of the Wiota John Deere Collector's Club.
Kevin is survived by his loving wife, Pam, at home; his mother, Mavis Shager of Wiota; his daughters: Danielle (Joe) Kohn of Monroe, Shannon (Justin) Erickson of rural Darlington, and Cheyenne Shager of rural Wiota; his bonus-daughters: Mandi (George) Sapon of Mt. Horeb and Tammy Knight of Wisconsin Dells, WI; his cherished 14 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his siblings: Peggy (Randy) Ziebarth of Mt. Horeb, Tim (Julie) Shager of Wiota, and Jill (Brent) Ruffridge of Monona; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, Willard Shager, in 2021.
Kevin will be remembered as a hardworking, humble man with a quick-witted and dry sense of humor, who was deeply devoted to his faith, his family, and his farm. He was an avid reader. He appreciated the simple things—an early morning sunrise, the steady hum of a John Deere tractor, and good conversation and music by a campfire. He loved horseback riding, team penning, and trips out west where he made good friends with real cowboys. Camping at White Mound County Park with his daughter Cheyenne, evenings spent with family, and time with his grandchildren were among his greatest joys.
Kevin’s faith was an important part of his life. He was inspired by the teachings of David Jeremiah and Doug Batchelor. His favorite Bible story was the book of Job.
A Time of Remembrance will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Wiota Lutheran Church (6682 Highway 78, South Wayne, WI 53587) with Pastor Nick McElrath of First Baptist Church in Darlington officiating. An open house will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Wiota Lutheran Church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
Kevin hated waiting in lines, so don’t expect to see one—he wouldn’t want folks standing around when there’s good conversation and pie inside.
Kevin’s legacy will live on in the fields he tended, the family he loved, and the faith that guided him each step of the way.
The family would ask that those in attendance to wear casual western attire.
Kevin was the eldest child born to Willard and Mavis (Anderson) Shager on January 29, 1958, in Platteville, WI. He grew up in Danforth, Illinois, where some of his dear friends still live. In 1972, the Shager family returned to Wiota, where Kevin graduated from Black Hawk High School in 1976 and Southwest Technical College in 1978. Kevin and Diana were married in 1984 and raised three daughters together before divorcing in 2011. In 2013, Kevin was united in marriage to Pam LaRue at Apple Grove Lutheran Church, and together they made their home on the farm, sharing a life full of love, hard work, and faith.
Before farming, Kevin worked road construction alongside his grandpa Anderson and then, he found his calling working the land in Wiota alongside his dad and brother right up until his last days. Farming wasn’t just his work—it was his way of life. He poured his heart into the land and took great pride in creating a place where his family could gather and grow. He and his dad were founding members of the Wiota John Deere Collector's Club.
Kevin is survived by his loving wife, Pam, at home; his mother, Mavis Shager of Wiota; his daughters: Danielle (Joe) Kohn of Monroe, Shannon (Justin) Erickson of rural Darlington, and Cheyenne Shager of rural Wiota; his bonus-daughters: Mandi (George) Sapon of Mt. Horeb and Tammy Knight of Wisconsin Dells, WI; his cherished 14 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his siblings: Peggy (Randy) Ziebarth of Mt. Horeb, Tim (Julie) Shager of Wiota, and Jill (Brent) Ruffridge of Monona; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, Willard Shager, in 2021.
Kevin will be remembered as a hardworking, humble man with a quick-witted and dry sense of humor, who was deeply devoted to his faith, his family, and his farm. He was an avid reader. He appreciated the simple things—an early morning sunrise, the steady hum of a John Deere tractor, and good conversation and music by a campfire. He loved horseback riding, team penning, and trips out west where he made good friends with real cowboys. Camping at White Mound County Park with his daughter Cheyenne, evenings spent with family, and time with his grandchildren were among his greatest joys.
Kevin’s faith was an important part of his life. He was inspired by the teachings of David Jeremiah and Doug Batchelor. His favorite Bible story was the book of Job.
A Time of Remembrance will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Wiota Lutheran Church (6682 Highway 78, South Wayne, WI 53587) with Pastor Nick McElrath of First Baptist Church in Darlington officiating. An open house will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Wiota Lutheran Church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
Kevin hated waiting in lines, so don’t expect to see one—he wouldn’t want folks standing around when there’s good conversation and pie inside.
Kevin’s legacy will live on in the fields he tended, the family he loved, and the faith that guided him each step of the way.
The family would ask that those in attendance to wear casual western attire.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Kevin’s name.
