Marilyn J. Shepard

Marilyn (Mary) J. Shepard, age 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 11, 2026 at Prairie Place in Ripon, Wisconsin.

Mary, a life-long resident of Wisconsin, was born in Winnebago County on February 13, 1932, to Earl and Jennie (Hayes) Kalmerton. She married Franklin Shepard on November 20, 1952, in Poy Sippi. Frank preceded Mary in death on February 12, 2014. Mary will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. 

Mary and Frank enjoyed a long life together in Pine River. Together they built a house and raised a family of four. They were active members of the church and community. Family and friends always felt welcome in their home. Grandchildren asked for her family-famous macaroni and cheese, a staple of every major gathering. Mary worked full-time for many years at Realist in Berlin. She enjoyed simple pleasures, going for drives, having friends over for coffee, and playing cards with family and friends. She was an avid Packer fan (especially during the Brett Favre years). She and Frank regularly took road trips to visit family and friends in Arizona and Colorado. After retirement, they enjoyed some bigger adventures, Door County, the Space Museum, Hawaii and Aruba.

Mary leaves behind her children: Beverly (Jack) Christ, Michael (Wendy) Shepard , Beatrice (Phil) Sattler, David (Patti) Shepard as well as fourteen grandchildren: Eric (Hana) Bice, Nicole (Andrew Felt) Bice, Kelsey (Zac) Jones, Brooklyn (Ben Reilly) Shepard, Christopher Shepard, Amanda (Nick) Terry, Gretchen (Steve) Johannes, Katie (Tom) Block, Pete (Sarah) Sattler, Sarah (Austin) Nelsen, Becky (Kenneth Remsik) Truesdale, Adam Shepard, Johanna (Mitch) Van Epps, Evan (Jessica) Meyer, and Jared Meyer. She is also survived by fourteen great-grandchildren, one brother Elwin “Sandy” Kalmerton, and many nieces and nephews. 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two children, an un-named newborn girl, an infant son, Duane Franklin, a grandson Cory Casper, three sisters, Eleanor German, Alyce Daggett, Donna “Impy” Rehfeldt, one brother Lowell Kalmerton, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Mary was sensitive and intelligent with a good sense of humor. She had a quiet strength that complemented Frank’s outgoing personality. People enjoyed being around her, and she lived with grace. In recent years Mary often reflected, “I had a good life.” You did have a good life, Mom, and we’re really going to miss you. 

Thank you to the staff of Prairie Place in Ripon and to Hospice for their loving care of Mary during the last phase of her life.

A graveside service will take place at the Pine River Cemetery. The date and time will be posted shortly. 

Divine Passage Funeral Home of Ripon is honored to be serving the family.