Richard "Dick" Shager

Richard "Dick" Shager of Shoreview, MN passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2025. He was 82 years old. Dick was born to John and Ella (Neslund) Shager in Thief River Falls, MN on February 15, 1943. Dick grew up on the family farm in Gatzke, MN with his twin sister Becky and older sister Mardie and graduated from Middle River High School. Dick met his cherished wife Neala "Kay" Shager while at Gustavus Adolphus College and graduated with a degree in math and physics. Kay and Dick married on August 15, 1965 in Great Falls, MT and loved one another deeply for 51 years. They have two children and four grandchildren. Dick greatly valued his extended family of cousins, sisters in-law, brothers in-law, and his eight nieces and nephews.

Dick worked as a farmer, teacher, technology professional, and financial planner. He loved music, including his own singing in choirs, attending numerous operas around the world, and listening to and playing pipe organs. He enjoyed learning about his family history, maintaining antique farm equipment, and showcasing them at the Almelund Threshing Show for two decades. Dick was very involved in his grandchildren's lives and supporting their school, musical, and athletic activities. Dick was a people person and appreciated all of his friends and supportive religious communities while residing in Stillwater MN, Hudson WI, and Greencastle IN.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Kay; and sisters, Rebecca Gessner and Mardella Shager. He is survived by daughter, Neala of Shoreview, MN; and son, Dorian and his wife, Sarah Ryan of Greencastle, IN. He is also survived by grandchildren, Ben and Kelsey (Shoreview), and Catherine and Evelyn (Greencastle).

Dick's Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 29, at 11:00 am at Bethel Lutheran Church's Downtown Campus, 920 3rd Street, Hudson, WI. There will be a visitation prior to the service from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and a luncheon following the service. A private inurnment ceremony for family will be at 1:30 pm.

Memorials are preferred to The Sjogren's Foundation.

The family wishes to thank Mayo Clinic, Ecumen Hospice, Bethel Lutheran in Hudson, and his caregivers for all of their kindness and support during his final medical and spiritual journey.