Lawrence "Larry" Shepard

Lawrence "Larry" B. Shepard, a man of remarkable character and zest for life, passed away Thursday, November 6, 2025 at his home.
Larry was born on July 30, 1938, in East Cleveland, OH, to Clair and Grace (Rinzel) Shepard.
Larry and his family lived on the south shore of Lake Erie. The family's recreation was sailing, and the whole family was on board some kind of sailboat from the time they were born. That is how Larry's passion of sailing started, and continued throughout his life. The family traveled every navigable water way east of the Mississippi including the Mississippi and the eastern portion of Canada.
In January of his sixth-grade year the family moved to Silver Springs, FL where they owned and operated a motel and service station. Larry was a member of the Ocala High School swim team and Glee Club for four years. He graduated in 1957 and like his two older brothers, joined the Navy and served for four years. At the completion of his military service, he attended the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, graduating with a degree in Physical Education. He accepted a position in Wisconsin Rapids where he also coached the South Wood County YMCA swim team for five years and was the assistant coach for the Rapids swim team for many years. He was also involved in teaching swimming lessons and the recreational swim program. Larry spent the last 11 years of work at the Nekoosa Paper Mill and retired from Georgia Pacific.
Larry was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Judith (Rickman) Shepard, whom he married on October 28, 1967 at St. John Lutheran Church in Kellner. Their bond was a testament to their love, patience, and mutual respect.
Together, they weaved a beautiful narrative of life that revolved around love, service, and a genuine enthusiasm for the world around them.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Larry Shepard indeed succeeded, not only in touching the lives of those around him but also in enriching them. His hobbies reflected his love for life and nature - be it sailing, boating, or wood carving. He and Judy competed around the state in many sailing regattas. He had a passion for teaching and judging gymnastics and had the honor of judging the WIAA state gymnastics meet. Larry's joy was infectious, especially during the holiday season when he could be found handing out candy canes, donning his Santa hat, and hosting loved ones for a traditional candle-lit Christmas tree.
Larry was a man of many accomplishments and affiliations. He was a charter member of the Tuesday Breakfast Bikers, Biron Lake Sailors, Central Wisconsin Wood Carvers, Heart of Wisconsin Shrine Club, Zor Funsters, and Wisconsin Rapids Lodge 128 Free and Accepted Masons. Larry was also a 33-degree Scottish Rite Mason and a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Kellner. As Henry Ford said, "To do more for the world than the world does for you - that is success." Larry's life was a testament to this, as his endeavors and associations painted a vivid picture of a man who believed in service and fellowship.
Larry is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Judith Shepard; brother-in-law, Gerald (Pat) Rickman; sister-in-law, Jane (Bill) Binnebose; numerous nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews. He is further survived by special people in his life: Doug Villeneuve, Brody Knutson, Dennis Moon, and Tom Rossing. They, along with their wives and families, considered him an extra parent and grandparent. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Pete Shepard and George (Jerry) Shepard; sister Claire (Richard) Mackenzie; bonus sister Mary Kaletic; and brothers-in-law Charles (Darlene) Rickman and Ron Rickman.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 9:00am at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. This will be followed by a Masonic Memorial Service at 11:00am and a Funeral Service at 11:30am at the same location. Burial with military honors will be at St. John Lutheran Parish Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Shriner's Hospitals for Children or the St. John Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.
Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.