Madeline Virginia Shepherd of Oconto Falls , passed away quietly at home on August 3, 2012 surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was born in Oconto Falls on 23 March, 1930. She was preceded in death by her parents Lucille Rassmusen Poradek and Mathew Poradek; her husband Sgt 1st Class (U.S. Army, ret.) John Melvin Shepherd; and her brother Alfred Poradek. She is survived by sons Jack Bruce and Tim Mathew Shepherd, and daughter Pepper Johnson; daughters-in-law Deborah and Laurie Shepherd; son-in-law Ronald Johnson; grandchildren Adam and Mathew Shepherd; great-grandchildren Jacob James, Jordan Mathew and Sophia Shepherd; sisters Betty Schlorf, Janet Nickels and Lorraine Hendzel; and special friend Cortney Verhagen. In following her career Army husband, Madeline traveled throughout the United States as well as the Philippines and Taiwan. Upon her husband’s retirement the couple settled down on a farm in Morgan. During this period Madeline worked as a cook and waitress and eventually retired from Yancy’s Restaurant in Gillett. Madeline was a widely read and very creative individual, adept at cooking, tailoring, furniture reupholstery and carpentry. One of her pleasures was playing the anagram game Spellbound, broadcast by radio station WOCO. Also, she had a special talent for transplanting trees and other plants. Up to about age 75 she made routine trips to the woods with her hand-pulled wagon to dig up small trees to replant around the house. The family would like to express gratitude to the Unity Hospice personnel and Dr. Bruce Neil for their sensitive and caring support to Madeline during this trying period. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10-11 AM Saturday August 11 at Rhodes Charapata Funeral Home and Crematory, 121 Chicago Street, Oconto. Memorial Service 11 AM Saturday August 11, 2012 at the Funeral Home with Deacon Walt Kaszynski officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Unity Hospice, 2366 Oak Ridge Circle, DePere, WI 54115; (920) 338-1111. Please visit www.rhodescharapata.com to express online condolences.