WILLARD SHEPARD

Willard (Bill) Elmer Shepard, 85, of Neenah, left this world and met his Creator on Saturday, September 8, 2018. He was born on April 6, 1933 in Devil's Lake, North Dakota to Rev. Elmer and Beatrice Shepard. The family moved to Wisconsin, he graduated from Waterford, Wisconsin. He proudly served four years in the US Navy, received his degree from Fox Valley Technical School and worked as a journeymen machinist 32 years with Menasha Corporation. After retirement Bill's true calling began, a life of service to others.

Bill married his beautiful bride, Virginia (Ginny) Nelson on Oct 1, 1960 and two years later brought home their only daughter, Lori, whom he adored with all his heart. He enjoyed family gatherings and vacations, waterskiing and downhill skiing, tinkering with projects and fixing things…anything! His departure will leave a huge gap for many who relied on his humble, quiet, behind the scenes way of getting things done and loving people well.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his only brother, John. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Virginia; daughter, Lori Shepard; only sister, Janet DeBruin and her husband, Bill; sister-in-law, Barb Behm; brother-in-laws Bruce (Joan) Nelson, Dudley (Zoe) Nelson; and many, many beloved nieces and nephews.

Bill and Ginny's Faith United Methodist Church friends were/are a cornerstone in their lives. They were/are a special family, loving each other through the joys and struggles of life. Faith in Jesus Christ was Bill's life compass, setting the sail and marking the course to all that he did. Though we are sad, His Savior called him home to his eternal rest on a beautiful, cool and sunny morning…just like he would have wanted.

A celebration of Bills' life will be at Noon on Friday, September 14th at Faith United Methodist Church, 1025 Tullar Rd., Neenah, with Rev. Tim Albrecht officiating. Visitation from 10:00 AM until the hour of service. Military Honors will follow with the Neenah/Menasha Veterans Honor Guard. Interment will be in Crystal Lake Cemetery, Waupaca County.  A memorial has been established to honor Bill at Faith United Methodist Church.