Mr. Merval James Shaw

TOWNSHIP OF MOUNDVILLE  /  PORTAGE  –   Mr. Merval James Shaw, age 101, a life-long resident of the Township of Moundville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, February 6, 2012 at Divine Savior Healthcare Hospital.

Merval was born in the Township of Moundville on September 1, 1910 to Joe and Bertha (Mountford) Shaw.  He was a graduate of the UW Agricultural Farm Short Course in 1929.  Merval married the love of his life, Blanche Margaret Ellis on September 1, 1934.  Merval and Blanche enjoyed many trips around the world and cruises, especially one memorable trip to Jerusalem with Don and Ardeth McDowell.  The farm on which he was raised was awarded “Century Farm” in 2008, and it still belongs in the family.  For his 95th birthday, he celebrated by taking an ultra light airplane ride, and on his 97th birthday, he took a hot air balloon ride.  On his 100th birthday, he celebrated with a party at The Heritage House. 

He is survived by his daughter, Edna Mae Cragin, Montello;  his son-in-law, Stanley Puterbaugh;  their children, Douglas (Heidi) Puterbaugh, Jill (Jeff) Rataczak, and Susan (Kevin) Maier;  his step-grandson, Kristopher (Kristen) Cragin;  great-grandchildren, Anthony Daino, Ashley (fiancé, Patrick Harvey) Daino, Adam Puterbaugh, Halie and Ryan Maier;  step-great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Moriah Rataczak, Korrina, Kaleb, Karrigan and Kameron Cragin, Acacia Hoover and Philip Cragin;  his daughter-in-law, Barbara Shaw, Sun Prairie;  her children, Mary Ditchey, and Ann (Mike) Calkins;  her grandchildren, Zachary Ditchey, Torrey, Bradley, Mariah and Kaden Calkins;  his son-in-law, William “Bill” Kempley, Montello;  his children, Scott (Tammy) Kempley, and Arleen (Tom) Nathey;  his grandchildren, Jennifer Kempley, Michael (fiancé, Jorgia Deppisch) Kempley, Heather Kempley, Valerie and Eric Nathey;  Merval’s special friend, Vera Banks;  special cousins, Celeone Gage and Connie Sakolnik;  his nieces and nephews, Edith (Roger) Kuhn, Gene (Mary McWilliams) Hume, Christine (Luke) Blau, Lester (Joyce) Ellis and Mark (Diane) Ellis;  other near relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Blanche on March 29, 1995, his sister, Lila “Merl” Hume, his brother-in-law and wife, Warren and Ann Ellis, his son, Stanley, his daughter, Mildred “Millie”, his grandson, Stanley “Boomer” Shaw, son-in-law, Calvin “Casey” Cragin, and his nephew, Guy Ellis.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 10, 2012 at Moundville Methodist Church, with the Rev. Julie Wilson officiating.  Burial will follow in Moundville Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the church. 

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Amy Strain, Dr. Dennis Harkins, the Divine Savior Healthcare staff, including his great-granddaughters, Jennifer and Heather Kempley, Divine Savior EMTs, Divine Savior Home Health, Heritage House staff, the staff of Tivoli, Pastor Julie Wilson, Pastor Tom Countryman, Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home, and the entire congregation of Moundville Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to Moundville Methodist Church.

He was an inspiration to all who met him.  Dear Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Uncle and Friend, You are one amazing, awesome gentleman.  If only every child had a dad and grandpa like You!  Your love and spirit for life is priceless and uplifts us all.  We admire and love you for all that you have given and taught us.  We are still learning from you.  You are and will always be our mentor and friend.  Thanks for all the beautiful memories.  Our special love to you always, Your Family.