John E. Shepard Sr., 86, of Vacaville, California, formerly of East Troy, passed away peacefully March 8, 2022. He was born Jan. 17, 1936, to the late Lester and Margaret Shepard.
He graduated from East Troy High School in 1954.
He married Arlene (Searl) Shepard in 1957 and they had five children together.
John and Arlene owned and operated Shepard’s Vacationland Egg Farm on Army Lake Road in East Troy. In addition to selling eggs they grew corn and vegetables on the family farm.
Following divorce, John resided in Elkhorn and enjoyed his side job of driving school bus. He later moved to Burlington and worked at Continental Can Company. His job there ultimately took him to California where he stayed for many years and drove city bus following retirement.
He never lost his love of gardening and was proud of the tomatoes he grew in his backyard. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed all sports.
John is survived by his spouse, Makaleka Shepard; children, Beverly (Lloyd) Colby of Mukwonago, John Jr. “Jack” (Kit) Shepard of Eagle, Susan (Joe) Meyers of Palmyra, and Nancy (Keith) Carbonell of Genesee Depot, as well as step-daughter, Nicole Strekow of Vacaville.
He is further survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his previous wife, and his great-niece and great-nephews.
He was further preceded in death by his daughter, Theresa “Traci” at the age of 14; sister, Mary Weithaus of Burlington; and his niece, Diane Wilson of Burlington.
Private services and burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in East Troy at a later date.
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