Richard M. "Rick" Shobaken

1947 - 2025

Richard "Rick" M. Shobaken

July 3, 1947 - November 15, 2025

Richard "Rick" M. Shobaken, 78, of Tomah, died on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at his home. On July 3, 1947, Rick was born to Rudy and Marion (Brink) Shobaken in Boston, Mass. He was a member of King Philip Regional High School's graduating class of 1965. Shortly after graduation, Rick proudly enlisted with the United States Marine Corps and would continue to serve for the next six years. He attended the Lowell Technological Institute in Massachusetts receiving a degree in chemical engineering and later earned his master's degree in business at the University of Phoenix in Arizona. As a chemical engineer, Rick traveled all over the world where he helped establish numerous engineering plants and would go on to retire from Farm & Fleet in 2020. On August 15, 1984, Rick was united in marriage to Vicky Lang, who preceded him in death on January 16, 2004. He later married Vicki's lifelong friend, Pauline Pemberton on November 12, 2013, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Baraboo, Wisc. In life, Rick was known to be a history buff who deeply enjoyed reading, which was something he was very proficient at. He had a soft spot for animals, especially his beloved dog, Murphy, and was passionate about participating with the local animal rescue where he and Pauline helped rehome dogs in need. Above all else, Rick was a family man who absolutely adored his wife and loved spending quality time with his three stepchildren, Thomas, Lucas, and Andrea. He will be remembered for being a hardworking, dedicated, and incredibly kind man and will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Pauline; stepchildren, Thomas Pemberton Jr. of Tomah, Lucas (Heather) Pemberton Sr. of Rosemount, Minn., and Andrea (Joe) O'Malley of Prairie du Sac; twin grandchildren, Olivia (Fiancé Sam) Pemberton and Luke Pemberton Jr.; siblings, Ron (Maureen) Shobaken and Pamela Dulong; and many other relatives and close friends.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Rudy and Marion, as well as a stepson, Jude Pemberton.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, at 801 E. Monowau Street, in Tomah. Father Ethan Hokamp will officiate. Family and friends are invited for a time of visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Mass., at a later date. Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home

(608) 372-2300