Arlene J. Shepard (nee Searl) of Eagle, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at the age of 85.

Arlene graduated from Mukwonago Union High School in 1955.  She married John E. Shepard, Sr. in 1957 and they had five children together.  Arlene and John owned and operated Shepard’s Vacationland Egg Farm on Army Lake Road in East Troy with over 10,000 chickens.  In addition to selling eggs they grew and sold  vegetables and corn from the family farm.

Following divorce, Arlene worked in the office at Palmyra-Eagle Elementary school.  From there she worked at Manpower in Waukesha for many years and enjoyed helping applicants find employment.  Her final role was at the Lang Companies where she enjoyed her work and loved all her co-workers.  She officially retired at the age of 82, although her work was never done.  She was an avid gardener, baker and seamstress.  Her sewing skills showed in heirloom baptismal gowns for her grandchildren, a wedding dress for her daughter, and countless sewing projects in her younger years.  Her homemade rolls and pies were a staple at family dinners.  She loved to can and make homemade goods, often included in baskets given each Christmas.

Arlene is survived by her children Beverly Colby (Lloyd) of Mukwonago, John Jr. “Jack” Shepard (Kit) of Eagle, Susan Meyers (Joe) of Palmyra and Nancy Carbonell (Keith) of Genesee. She is further survived by 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, her sister Marsha (Jan) Grutzmacher of Mukwonago, and her brothers Alan Searl of Mukwonago, and Duane (Kathy) Searl of Johnson Creek.  She also had many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.   

Preceding Arlene in death was her daughter Traci (Theresa) at the age of 14, her father William Vollmer, her mother Irene Searl (nee Schilling), step-father Emerson Searl and her brother David Searl.  In addition, her ex-husband John Shepard passed away on March 8, 2022.

Anyone that met Arlene became an immediate friend.  She was the life of every party.  Arlene loved all animals, especially her dog Holly who visited her in hospice and cheered up her final days.  Arlene was cherished by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 20 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church (410 W. Veteran’s Way, Mukwonago) from 11:00 AM until the time of the Memorial Service at 1:00 PM.  Private family burial will be held.

Memorials to St. John’s Church or the Waukesha Humane Society are appreciated.