March 3, 1930 – May 30, 2010


Ralph W. Shepard of Mukwonago passed away in the evening hours of Sunday, May 30, 2010, at Waukesha Memorial Hospital at the age of 80 years.

Ralph was born in Milwaukee on March 3, 1930, a son of the late Elizabeth (Shepard) Johnson. He attended local schools and was a graduate of East Troy High School. Ralph was married to Carol (Hausch) and was self-employed as a carpenter and garage door installer.

Ralph is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; his son, Daniel (Stephanie) Shepard; and his daughter, Patricia (Greg) Pruitt, all of Waukesha. He also leaves his stepchildren: Brion Downie of Watertown, Mark (Darlene) Downie of Cedarburg, Michael (Sandy) Downie of Oconomowoc and Laura Bierdemann of Waukesha. Ralph will also be remembered by his 20 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, his dear friend and companion "Crystal" as well as many other friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth; his half-sister, Lois Degner; his sons, Michael Scott Shepard and Mark Christopher Shepard; and his daughter, Peggy Jo Shepard.

The visitation for Ralph will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, June 4, 2010, at the Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, 237 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home at noon with the Rev. Leonard Barbian officiating.

Interment will immediately follow the funeral service in Prairie Home Cemetery, Prairie Avenue in Waukesha.

The Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, Cremation and Pre-Planning Services is serving the family. For further information, please call 542-6609 or for directions, an online obituary or to leave a condolence, please visit www.waukeshasfuneralhome.com.