Richard Allan Shoemaker

1951 - 2026

Richard Allan Shoemaker

June 11, 1951 - March 26, 2026

Beloved husband, father, grandpa and friend, Richard Allan Shoemaker age 74 passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026 following a long decline due to Lewy Body Dementia.

Born June 11, 1951 to Dona and Otto Shoemaker in Beloit WI. (Shoe) as he was known to friends, grew up in Menomonie, WI and graduated from Menomonie Senior High School May, 1969. He was united in marriage to Linda Rhodes in August, 1969 and they later divorced. To this marriage, a daughter Kristine and a son Jayson were born.

While attending UW-Stout and raising a young family, Dick worked at Saint Claire Billyhus clothing store and Ted's Pizza in downtown Menomonie. Upon graduating from UW-Stout in 1975, Dick began his career in public service as the Field Representative for US Congressman Al Baldus. Dick was elected to the WI Assembly in 1978 where he served until 1988 when he was elected to the WI Senate. Following the legislature, Dick served as the Director of the Menomonie Chamber of Commerce, then kicked off the cell phone generation at 24-7 before purchasing the Thunderbird Lounge, which he renamed Shoe s Pub. In 1997, Shoe's relocated to the former Northside Bar. Dick remodeled, adding a liquor store, and he continued to serving libations until retiring and selling in May 2021. During his ownership, he enjoyed Packers and Badgers games with some of his friends Popeye, Kelly, Vinnie, Andy, John, and many others, and especially his dedicated bartenders who were very special people.

Being an avid golfer at one time he golfed three leagues and had a five handicap with six holes-in-one. Living on the golf course he was able to golf nearly every day. A great joy was golfing with his son Jayson. Along with his golf passion, the love of watching the Packers, Brewers and Badgers were great times except when they were losing of course. Dick supported the UW Stout teams along with the Menomonie Mustangs.

A great enjoyment was having the kids and grandkids and great grandkids visit especially teasing Teddy, Carson and Jackson his face lite up when he saw them.

Besides golf he enjoyed reading (enough to fill five bookcases) and collecting Badger and Packer memorabilia (enough to fill all the walls of the basement) and of course there were the T-bird rides (nothing like a top down and Frank Sinatra singing Summer Wind, Buddy Holly singing Rave On, True Love Ways and Garths friends in Low Places. And then there were the Meta rides on curvy roads at a speed that would have gotten a speeding ticket and truly scared the daylights out of Jo.

Dick was a member of the Masons Menomonie Lodge No. 164.

On May 1,2021 he married his long-time golf and travel companion Joanne Marshall. Together they enjoyed golf trips south every year and some great times in golf tournaments also some fun golf trips with Jayson and Kari around Dicks birthday.

Dick was enormously proud of his children and grandchildren and enjoyed attending their activities when possible.

Survived by his wife Joanne "Jo", children Kristine (John) their children Jack and Kaelin, son Jayson (Kari) their children Avery and Teddy. Stepchildren Jeff (Hayley), Jamie and Ryan. Step grandchildren Davis (Samantha), Andew (Brandi), Brooklyn (Kiel) Anderson, Christian Stomberg, Natasha Rosario and Manny Rosario. Step Great grandchildren Jackson, Carson, Waylon, and Hallie Marshall.

Siblings: Thomas, Nancy (Bill) Kern, David (Jane), James (Peggy). Brother in laws: Dale (Carolyn) Harkness, Dallas Harkness, Dean Harkness, Sisters In-law, Peg Harkness, Christy Harkness, Polly Stansbury and many Nieces and Nephews.

Preceded in death by, parents Dona and Otto, niece Anna Shoemaker, Sister-in-law Sue, Brothers in-law, Raymond Henke, Dennis Harkness, and Dan Harkness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11th from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. with a luncheon at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI. Family is inviting guests to wear Badger, Packer, Brewers, Mustangs, Stout, or golf attire to the visitation.

A golf outing at Menomonie Country Club in honor of Shoe will start around 4:00 p.m. please call the course for t- times.

A very special Thank You to The Neighbors staff and to St. Croix Hospice staff for the care the gave to Dick/Shoe it was truly appreciated.

Thank you to all his friends that took the time to visit him he may not have shown the appreciation, but we know it helped him thru those difficult times.

To share a memory, please visit the obituaries page at www.olsonfuneral.com.