Mary Shepard

Mary Shepard, age 87, passed away at home on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Mary was born on April 11, 1938, to the late Walter and Mabel (Sharp) Wickesberg. Mary grew up on the Wickesberg family farm in Black Creek, WI. She was the example of a true farm girl.

Mary was united in marriage to the love of her life, James G. Shepard, on October 15, 1960, in Black Creek, WI. James preceded her in death on June 18, 2014. Just as their love illuminated the earthly world, she went to Heaven to be reunited with him just in time for their 65th wedding anniversary.

Mary worked hard to become a nurse and had a lifelong (20-year) career as an LPN with St. Elizabeth Hospital. Outside of work, she could be found on her coveted acres in Shepard's Meadow; land she was proud to own and wander with Jim. Together they raised many farm animals including sheep, goats, horses, and chickens. She also stayed busy helping out with her many loved grandchildren through 4-H projects, summer strawberry picking, and baking too many sweet treats. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother above all else.

She is survived by her children: Jim (Jane) Shepard, Dawn Deltour, Steve (Kerry) Shepard, Karen Shepard, Lori (Miguel) Nieves, Georgianna King, Angie Shepard; grandchildren: Katie Christian, Jacob (significant other Jenna) Shepard, Jesse (Chelsea) Shepard, Mariah Deltour, David Deltour, Sarah Deltour, Melissa Shepard, Joshua Shepard, Tyler Shepard, Tanner (Macy) Shepard, Quinton (significant other Molly) Shepard, Mary Wagner, Ryan Guerin, Elizabeth (Tyler) Clary, Kayla Guerin (significant other Peter), Kody Guerin, Ashley (Andrew) Slaets, Brittany (Trevor) Riehl, Cassandra (Tobias) Collins, 34 great-grandchildren, sister in-laws: Pat Shepard and Donna Shepard, many nieces, nephews, and friends. Mary is also survived by her beloved puppy, JG.

She is preceded in death by her great-grandson, Parker Shepard; son-in-law, Stephen Scheffel; brothers and sisters: Dallas (Lela) Wickesberg; Milton (Eleanor) Wickesberg; Vernon VanLanen; Walter Wickesberg, Jr.; Violet Wickesberg; Vivian Wickesberg; Gladys Beyer; Marjorie Wickesberg; Richard Wickesberg, and Betty Wickesberg. She is further preceded in death by Jim's parents, John and Alice (Allen) Shepard, and his brothers and sisters: Lyle Shepard; Earl (JoAnn) Shepard; John (Caroline) Shepard; Harold (Doris) Shepard; Darlene (Everett) Dieck; Ralph Shepard; Merton Shepard; Lelah (Walter) Noffke; and an infant sister.

Thank you to all of the caregivers who cared for Mary over the years. A heartfelt, special thank you to her daughter, Lori Nieves, who made it possible for Mary to live out her final years peacefully at Shepard's Meadow surrounded by warmth, love, and dignity.

Friends may call on Thursday October 23rd, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 6:00PM at Trinity United Church of Christ, W6712 Cty. Rd. F, Shiocton (Leeman) The funeral service will begin at 6:00 PM with the Rev. Moira Finley officiating. Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com

Gratitude to Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour for assisting the family with arrangements.