Francis Shuler, Jr.

1931 - 2024

Francis H. Shuler, Jr. age 93, of Shelby passed away Sunday evening, June 30, 2024 at Ontario Estates.

Francis was born January 7, 1931 in Shelby to the late Alma (Hannafus) and Francis H. Shuler, Sr. He graduated from Shelby High School in 1950. While employed at Wilkins Air Force Depot in Shelby, he met Mary M. Thiel. They married on October 25, 1958 and together raised their family and enjoyed many adventures throughout their marriage of 50 years. Longtime members of the Mansfield Liederkranz, Francis and Mary enjoyed polka dancing and had also enjoyed many fall trips to Vermont and New England. Projects were nearly always done as a team, no matter the size or scale. They also were longtime members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby. Mary passed away on July 30, 2008.

Francis had two major passions in life, cooking and gardening- both of which he was extremely talented at. Many would know Francis from Cornell's IGA where he worked nearly his entire career as a meat cutter. His gardens, both flowers and vegetables, were grown to perfection but his green thumb was not one that came by accident. Everything Francis did came from his industrious, curious, and hardworking nature. If he did not know how something was done, he researched, taught himself, and applied what he learned. Correlating to his gardening passion, a major enjoyment in his life was being active in the Mansfield Men's Garden Club for over 30 years, which included various projects such as the annual planting and raising of 12,000 mums. He also volunteered at Kingwood Center Gardens.

Francis is survived by his children: Steve (Janet) Shuler of Van Buren, Jeff (Michelle) Shuler of Shelby, and Regina (Michael) Zigmond of Avon Lake; grandchildren: Andy (McKenna) Shuler, Kevin Shuler, Taryn (Jeff) Cramer, Jillian (Doug) Noblet, Evan (Michelle) Shuler, Leo Zigmond, and Elizabeth Shuler; numerous great grandchildren; siblings: Bob (Mary Jane) Shuler, Martha Cichon, Mary Ann Fraley, and Dick (Sally) Shuler; sister-in-law: Monika Shuler; and other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and his wife, Francis' brothers, David and George, also preceded him death.

Family and friends are welcome on Monday, July 8, 2024 from 6-8 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 11 am. Fr. Chris Mileski will officiate the services with burial following in Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to Kingwood Center Gardens (Kingwoodcenter.org/donate).

Online condolences may be made on Francis' obituary on the funeral home's website (PenwellTurner.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral).