August Emil Shevy

August Emil Shevy (Junior), 79, of Pound, Wisconsin, passed away at his home on January 2, 2026. He was born November 4, 1946, in Lena, Wisconsin. His father, August Shevy Sr., passed away before his birth, and August was raised by his mother, Tressa (Heisel) Shevy, and his stepfather, Albert Shevy, whom he always considered his father.
August is survived by his brother, Gary Shevy; sister-in-law, Sandra (Whiting) Shevy; nephew, Ken (Brenda) Shevy; niece, Cheryl (Corey) Shevy; and great-nephews and great-nieces, Bryan (Amanda), Hunter, Brienna, and Jaden Shevy. He was preceded in death by his father, August Shevy Sr.; his father figure, Albert Shevy; his mother, Tressa Shevy; and his brother, Leonard Shevy.
August's life was deeply rooted in family and land. Raised with strong farming values, he developed a lifelong work ethic and love for the outdoors. In 1966, he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, a service he carried with great pride throughout his life.
August always valued maintaining a close kinship with his family. August's parents, brothers, nephews and nieces were always a big part of his life.
After returning home from the war, August worked at the cabinet factory in Coleman and other small jobs until started working at Graetz Manufacturing. There he worked in several different positions from diesel mechanic to truck driving to name a few.
Alongside his full-time work, he owned and operated Whisky Creek Lumber Company, providing lumber services. The entire operation was a family affair, involving tasks ranging from cutting logs to operating the edger and stacking boards.
There was a whistle attached to the sawmill. When it blew in the morning, everyone knew it was time to start work. When it blew in the evening, the workday was over. August was proud of the whistle.
In 1996, August was given the opportunity to return to farming his own land. He planted corn for several years, but soybeans became his true focus. After health challenges in 2000 ended his career at Graetz Mfg., farming became his primary passion. Every spring and fall, August could be found in the fields, often alongside his brothers, nephew, and great-nephews. Their help and companionship supported him through many years of planting and harvest.
August was determined to keep deer out of his fields, so he built fences he was extremely proud of. He spent countless hours picking rocks, and even after his health declined, he never stopped. When his balance wasn't as steady, he would still drive his Ranger into the fields, load the back with rocks, and haul them away. Over the years, the rocks piled higher and higher. Anyone who saw it would be amazed at his towering rock pile.
August also took great pride in his beloved pickup truck, which he kept for many years and still runs to this day.
As his brothers and nephews helped him with the work of farming the fields, August welcomed his niece to assist with doctor appointments and managing medications, creating time for them to grow especially close. These appointments often became all-day outings, filled with long drives through the countryside as August reminisced about family stories, visits to family farms, and memories from his childhood. During these moments, they truly reconnected, sharing laughter, swapping stories, and discovering August's sense of humor. Those trips became treasured times, where laughter came easily and their bond grew stronger with every mile.
August was a proud and happy man who truly loved being outdoors. He walked constantly, knowing every inch of his land. He enjoyed hunting, planting trees and making firewood. Deer hunting was a cherished family tradition for August. Each season, his brothers and nephews gathered for a week filled with shared meals, and stories, both remembered and newly made. August hunted until his later years, and even when he no longer joined them in the woods, he took great joy in listening to everyone's deer hunting stories. August could see farther than most. He had remarkable eyesight, especially when it came to spotting deer and other wildlife in the woods. When others saw nothing at all, August could describe exactly what he was seeing in clear detail.
A recent favorite family memory. August put railings on one of his tractor steps. We always had to tell him to wait until someone was there so he could safely get on and off the tractor. He drove that John Deer tractor pulling a disc and someone had to follow him in another tractor to cultipak the field after him. August was content as long as he was on a tractor.
A devoted John Deere enthusiast, August loved attending auctions, always hoping to find another tractor or piece of equipment. His collection of John Deere items reflected his deep connection to farming and the land. About 25 years ago, he met a lifelong friend, Steve Elbie, at a farm auction. Although they did not serve together, their shared bond as Marines created an instant friendship that lasted for years. In later years, when August was no longer able to drive, Steve made a point to visit him often at home. Those visits and regular phone calls meant a great deal to August. Steve, thank you for your service and for the friendship and care you showed August.
August was proud to be a Veteran, proud to protect his country and proud of the US Flag. He put up a flagpole in the yard and was proud to fly the flag. When his health turned he quit flying the flag but he was still proud.
The United States Government drafted August Shevy Jr. into the Marine Corps Engineer Division. August commenced his service on January 25th, 1966, and concluded it on January 25th, 1968. He initially trained at Camp Pendleton, the Marine Corps Base, known for preparing soldiers for the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Subsequently, August was stationed at Camp Carroll, QWCM+QR4, Cam Nghia, ông Hà, Qu ng Tr Vietnam, which was part of Project DELTA. Camp Carroll was a United States Marine Corps and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) artillery base during the Vietnam War.
In 1966-67, U.S. forces set up firebases along the border at Camp Carroll, Con Thien, Gio Linh, Cam Lo, Dong Ha and The Rockpile which became the focus of large ground battles with the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) for control of the border and northern Quang Tri. This area was the most intensive aerial bombing of the Vietnam War including widespread carpet bombing by B-52 bombers making it by far the most bombed province in Vietnam.
A few things we do know are that August's regiment traveled by boat to Subic Bay and then to Okinawa, spending 19 days on a cramped ship. Then flew into Da Nang. At night, August and his fellow Marines sat in foxholes guarding Camp Carroll, ensuring the enemy did not infiltrate the camp. August said it was so dark that you could not see your hand in front of your face, and they had to rely on listening.
August's assignment later changed to driving large trucks on base. One of the materials he hauled was Agent Orange. Each night, August returned to the barracks after a long day of driving trucks.
August recalled that every night B-52 bombers would depart from the airstrip to bomb the countryside. The enemy had cannons positioned in the hillsides and would fire at the B-52s as they took off. Camp Carroll was located in one of the most dangerous areas of the Vietnam War. Every night was filled with bombings and gunfire.
"Your courage and dedication as a Marine left an indelible mark. Thank you for your service, and may you rest in peace. Semper Fi."
Visitation will be held at Hansen-Onion-Martell Funeral Home on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., with a service beginning at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at First Baptist Cemetery, US 141 - Business, Pound, WI 54161, with Military Honors.
August would want you all to attend the full military burial with a 21-gun salute and the playing of "Taps".
In Lieu of Flowers, make a donation to https://honorandvaloroutdoors.com/