John Daniel Shay

John Daniel Shay, age 83, of St. Germain, passed away on August 30, 2026, at Marshfield Hospital in Marshfield. He was born on August 19, 1943, in Lyons, Ill., to Daniel and Gladys Shay.

John’s early years were spent in Lyons until his parents, Dan and Gladys, moved to their home in the Pine Acres area of St. Germain. John followed a few years later, beginning the Northwoods chapter of his life that he cherished deeply.

It was in St. Germain that John met the love of his life, Audrey Ellen, at Weber’s Deer Farm. Their friendship quickly grew into a lifelong partnership, and the two were married on May 5, 1969. Together they built a family grounded in love, hard work, and devotion.

John proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1964 to 1967, achieving the rank of SPC (E-4) as a Fire Control Technician. He was honorably discharged at Fort Hamilton, N.Y. His service was recognized with the National Defense Service Medal and the Marksman Medal, honors he carried with quiet pride throughout his life.

John was known for his steady presence, his loyalty to family, and his deep appreciation for the simple, meaningful moments of life in the Northwoods.

John is survived by his wife, Audrey Ellen, and their children: Baby John Patrick Shay (Dec 9-10, 1982), son Randy (wife Kristine), son Dale and his daughters: Ashley and Kimberlee, and son Brian, his sister Dorothy (Shay) Gibson, her son James.

John is also survived by Audrey’s extended family, including sister Karen (Weber) Stecker (Larry), and their children Benjamin and Abigail. Brother Roger L. Weber (Judith), and their children Michele and (Scott). Brother Gene and Sandra Weber and their children Christine and Jody.

John was preceded in death by his by parents Daniel and Gladys Shay, and his in-laws Leonard and Ellen Weber, Judith Ann Weber (Roger) their son Scott, and Larry Stecker (Karen).

John was cremated, and interment will take place at the St. Germain Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will be held on: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 2 p.m. Location: The Web.