Richard Lee `Dick` Shear

Richard Lee (Dick) Shear passed away peacefully at the Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg, WI., on June 14, 2025 at the age of 71 after a lengthy illness. Dick was born on May 1, 1954, in Barberton, OH, the youngest son of Roy and Ruth (nee Heaston) Shear.

Dick was baptized at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Barberton, OH and attended schools in Clinton and Canal Fulton, OH. He married his wife, Pat on September 23, 1978 in Indianapolis, IN. He worked for Continental Can Company in Portage, IN before moving to Wisconsin in 1981 where he began work at Libby, McNeill & Libby, later becoming Seneca Foods. He retired in 2013 as a Department Manager.

Dick was an avid hunter who enjoyed being in the woods whether or not he got a deer or turkey. He served as a Hunter Education Instructor for several years. He was a Green Bay Packer fan who was not afraid to yell at the TV when they didn’t play well. He and Pat were fortunate to do some traveling including a memorable trip to Door County for their 23^rd anniversary. There were also several fun trips to Idaho to visit their daughter’s family. Dick loved to cook, especially his secret recipe “Ohio Chicken.” He loved spending time with friends, playing games and going to fish frys. He was extremely proud of his children and loved spending time with his grandchildren. If he teased you, it was because he liked you.

Dick was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic syndrome in 2011 and Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis a short time later. Through excellent care and new treatment options he far outlived the prognosis. His family is exceedingly grateful to the wonderful doctors and staff at UW Madison Hospital and Clinics, especially Dr. Mattison, Dr. Sandbo and Chessa Fischer, NP.  We are also appreciative of the staff in the infusion center at St. Clare Hospital and the EMS staff in Baraboo for their excellent care. We will be forever grateful to the Agrace Hospice personnel for all their help, especially Rae, who was a tireless advocate for him.

Dick is survived by his wife, Pat; son, Michael Shear; daughter, Jenna (Bradley) Morris; grandchildren, Teagan (Austin) Swann, Logan Morris, Seren Morris and Cian Morris and his special buddy, Eggsy. He is further survived by brothers, James (Maxine) Shear and Loren (Shelly) Shear; brothers-in-law, Ron (Ivan Gonzalez) Skidmore and George (Patricia) Adams; nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William Shear and brother-in-law, William Skidmore.

A celebration of life is planned for Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Langer Park, 743 3^rd St., Baraboo.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Carbone Cancer Center at UW Hospital, Agrace Foundation or the Sauk County Humane Society.

“If there comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.” A.A. Milne