Gary Shafer
Gary Shafer, 72, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at Harbor Haven on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
The evening before his passing, he was surrounded by his family and they were blessed to share his final hours with love and memories.
Gary was born to Charles and Grace (nee Buetow) Shafer on September 5, 1953. On June 29, 1974, he married the love of his life, Mary Sheridan at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fond du Lac. Together they built a home and family in Mt. Calvary, WI.
Gary took pride in his children and grandchildren. He was a cheerleader for all activities they were in. He rarely missed a game, match, or track meet. He was all about family and sports. He loved the Bucks, Brewers, Packers, and Badgers. To many, Gary was known as “Coach” in Mt. Calvary and St. Cloud leagues.
Gary was a 1971 graduate of Horace Mann High School in North Fond du Lac. Gary worked at Mercury Marine for 43 years, retiring in 2015. Gary’s interests included deer hunting, bowling, cutting wood, softball, mowing the lawn, walking the dog, camping, traveling, and gambling.
One was lucky to have Gary as a friend. He was loyal and always ready to lend a hand.
Gary will be dearly missed by his wife, Mary Shafer of Mt. Calvary; children Sandra (Eric) Ritchie of Fond du Lac, Sherry (Seth) Wolff of Sheboygan, and Steven (Julie) Shafer of Grafton; grandchildren Grace and Ella Meyer, Blake and Maddie Ritchie, Theo and Natalie Wolff, and Cohen and Claire Shafer; siblings Sharon Olson of Madison, Cindy (Jim) Flood and Kim (Mike) Reilly, all of Fond du Lac, and John Shafer of Verona. He is further survived by his in-laws Pat (Dave) Casetta, Steve (Kerry) Sheridan, John (Shirley) Sheridan, Sue (Mike) Nelson, all of Fond du Lac, Barb (Al) Stephany of Mt. Calvary, and Gloria (Dave) Clause of North Fond du Lac.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Chuck and Grace Shafer, his in-laws John and Gertrude Sheridan, and his brothers-in-law Jim Olson and Tim Lober.
Gary’s family invites friends and relatives to a time of visitation on Monday, July 20, 2026 at Zacherl Funeral Home from 1:00 PM until 2:45 PM. A Liturgy of the Word will take place following the visitation at 3:00 PM. A continued celebration of Gary’s life will take place at Ave 795 following the conclusion of services at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Mt. Calvary Athletic Club.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Harbor Haven and SSM Hospice staff for their care of Gary as he lived his final weeks.