Delbert "Del" A. Shay Jr.

Delbert Arthur Shay Jr

1943-2025

Delbert A Shay Jr, age 81, of Wheeler, Wisconsin passed away July 7, 2025 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

He was born November 9, 1943 in Eau Claire, to Delbert Sr and Ethelyn (Swan) Shay, and grew up in the Menomonie, Wisconsin area.

Del married Janet Alden on February 18, 1961 in Menomonie, and they had four children. He later married Jill Erickson on October 20, 2007 in Wheeler, Wisconsin.

Del spent many years as a metal fabricator and floor coverer. He also pastored churches in Minnesota and Wisconsin for several years. He was a jack of all trades!

He loved his family, music, ice cream, feeding his wild deer, his dogs, and taking care of people.

Del will be remembered as generous, selfless, loving and kind hearted, and as a people person who never met a stranger. He gave even if he was losing something. However, in his mind he was gaining more.

He is survived by his wife, Jill; sister, Charlotte Ellison; children, Mike (Robin) Shay, Michele (Ed) Daniels, Sheri (Pete) Walters, Tim (Chastity) Shay, Lisa Minor, Bobby Minor, and Kristen (Steve) Shaw; grandchildren, Candace Shay, Jessica Mikesell, Kristi Isais, Katie Shay, DeWayne Neal, Mickey Shay, Kendrah Shay, Jace Shay, Peyton Schauer, Parker Schauer, Savannah Minor, Micah Minor, Eden Titus, Dalton Shaw, and Garrett Shaw; ten great grandchildren; and beloved dogs, Diesel and Bear, and Sassy the cat.

Del was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Ethelyn; and sister Shirrel Koepp and her husband Ed.

The family extends a special thank you to a dear friend Dale Merten.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 19 at the United Methodist Church in Wheeler, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm on Friday, July 18 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, Wisconsin, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com