Wayne L. Shoemaker, 81, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away on March 22nd, 2016 at home.
Wayne was born on March 28th, 1934 in Clark County, WI, the son of Ernest and Hazel (Kaufman) Shoemaker. He attended school in Butler, WI, before entering the U.S. Airforce. Wayne married Sharon Koenig on August 30th, 1956 in Iowa. In his younger days Wayne enjoyed racing motorcycles and cars.
Wayne worked many jobs over the years; from logging to helping with the construction of Interstate 94 through Montana and also the construction of the Jim Falls Dam. He is most known for his work at Presto Industries, Wissota Tool, and Toys Scrap & Salvage in Eau Claire which he worked at for over 20 years before retiring.
Family, friends, and co-workers knew Wayne as the “Metal Wizard” or “Fort Knox Wayne” for his amazing metal fabricating and craftsmanship. Wayne enjoyed making knifes the most and was a Badger Knife Club Member. Wayne was also a great story teller and would recount many of his adventures with any who would listen.
Wayne is survived by his children, Dana Shoemaker of Eau Claire, Cary Shoemaker of Whitehall, Wade (Kim) Shoemaker of Elk Mound, Vicki (Rik) Stockey of Dundas, MN, Edie (Danny) Bare of Stanley, Eric (Ronnie) Shoemaker of Eau Claire, Sean Shoemaker of Stevens Point, and Scot Shoemaker of Eau Claire; sisters, Lucille (Louis) Weaver of Lakeside, AZ, Norma Timm of Augusta, WI, Virginia Scott of Kenosha, WI; brother Albert (Bonnie) Shoemaker of Albion, WA; sister-in-laws, Charleen (Deloy) Kiser of Farmington, MN, Phyllis Krueger of Napa, CA, and Patti Pagac of Waterford, MI; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews as well as a special honorary granddaughter, Seliina Toy.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Sharon, brothers Bill, Paul, Leo, Donald, Dareld, Laurel, and Ervin; sisters, Fern, Dorothy, and Darlene; great-granddaughters, Emma Strom and Kylie Aerabella Trahan/Bare.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 9th, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel, Eau Claire. A visitation will take place at noon until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. Pastor Robert Hoekstra will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Wayne’s name can be made to the ADRC Meals on Wheels program at http://eauclairecounty.org/ADRC/MealsOnWheels/mow_donate_info.htm.
Dearest Friends,
I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine life without Wayne in it. It seems I have known him, like most of you, all of my life. As my late father would say, “Wayne was a good ol’ boy.” My entire family loved and appreciated Wayne for his kindness and craftmanship. We felt honored to call him friend. We were blessed to have him work for us for so many years. Wayne was family.
Most of my fondest memories were of Wayne in the shop. I always recieved a kind word, a hug and an update on Edie. When your mom was still with us, she would come out to join your dad for lunch. Their togetherness always made such an impression on me. I could see that your folks were two people who had developed a continued fondness of each other. They made such a cute couple! Their relationship reminded me that love was a lifetime commitment, despite the reality of challenges and hardtimes that come with being human and eventually aging. I missed seeing them together and now I will simply miss them. I know that Wayne and Sharon loved all of their kids and their families. This was evident in all that they shared.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this life-changing time.
Love,
Bobbi Jo Toy <3
Sorry to hear that your dad passed away. Sounds like a wonderful person. I can’t imagine the day I don’t have my parents here any more. My condolences, Janet Fawcett Weld
My memories of your dad are mostly from grade school, I remember your parents always planning and having the biggest and best birthday parties for you- Vicky. I hope you can take some comfort in the knowledge that their love unites them forever and how joyous their reunion must be! My thoughts and prayers are with you and Edie during this difficult time. I hope in time your memories of him will be ones of love and happiness remembering all the good times you all shared as such a wonderful family.
Love to you all,
Shari Caradori (Pederson)
Dear Cousins,
We are so sorry for the loss of your father. We have fond memories of our visits with your family in Bismarck and Jamestown, ND. When your parents would drive to Florida to visit Edie, we would often meet for an iced tea when they drove through Nashville. Our brief visits were always enjoyable–your Mom would always tell amusing stories or provide a witty insight. Your Dad, always quiet, would frequently deliver unexpected one line zingers. Their love, fondness and regard for each other was evident in how they treated each other–setting a great example for all of us. On one of their visits, I purchased four of your Dad’s incredibly crafted hunting knives; one for each of our children and one for me. My knife is one of my most cherished possessions because it reminds me of your parents.
Your parents are together again in heaven–imagine how happy they were when they were reunited!
Much love from your California Cousins,
Deby Krueger Pitts
Paul Krueger
Susan Krueger
Mike Krueger
Cheryl Krueger
Dan Krueger
Betsy Krueger Whitaker
John Krueger
Sorry to hear this…I still have the knife he gave me back in the day, it’s always been my favorite and will be cherished even more from this day on. My condolences you guys.