Feb. 9, 1926 – Sept. 9, 2024
Richard Lee Shappell, 98 of Glidden Drive, Sturgeon Bay, died Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at Jack and Engrid Meng Unity Hospice Facility in De Pere.
Richard was born Feb. 9, 1926, in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, the only child of Herbert and Alice (Sullivan) Shappell. He graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 1943 before his service in the US Navy where he served on the US Manta Ray submarine in the Pacific Theatre from 1943-1946. Richard graduated from Lafayette College in 1950.
On July 29, 1950, he married Dorothy “Dottie” Louise Fox in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. Following Phillipsburg, he and Dottie lived in Easton, Pennsylvania, Cary, Illinois, Appleton, and for the past 40 years in Door County.
Richard had worked for Dixie Cup (later American Can) for 25 years in Easton, Barrington, Illinois and Neenah. He then took a position with Kimberly Clark for 12 years, also in Neenah. They built their home in Door County in 1980.
Dick was an active member of the Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church. He taught Senior High Sunday School for 30 years along with holding various church offices. He was active with the Boy Scouts, U.S. Power Squadron, Feed My People, Clothe My People, Meals on Wheels, Community Affairs and Glidden Drive Homeowners Association. He also served on the board of directors for Door County Hospital.
Richard is survived by his two sons, James (Lucy Lennox) Shappell of Chevy Chase, Maryland, David (Marilyn Mortell) Shappell of Chicago; three grandchildren, James Andrew, and twins, Ben and Sam; great-granddaughter, Adalina Grace Shappell; nieces, Cheryl (John) Ridarick McCann of Easton, PA, and Donna (the late Barry) Ridarick Foulk of Brodheadsville, PA; grand nephews, Ryan and Seth McCann.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dottie; and granddaughter, Molly.
A celebration of his life will be held 10:30 am on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church in Sturgeon Bay with the Rev. Kenneth Boettcher officiating. Military honors to follow. Interment with his beloved wife, Dottie, will be in Fairmont Cemetery in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.
Visitation will be at the church Oct. 26, 2024 beginning at 9:30 am until the time of service.
Memorials may be directed in Richard’s memory to Jacksonport United Methodist Church (c/o Jacksonport/Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church, 836 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235) or a church of your choice.
Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC in Sturgeon Bay are assisting the Shappell family with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Richard may be shared with his family through his tribute page at HuehnsFuneralHome.com.
