Fredric "Freddy-Did-It" William Shepard, age 71 passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, September 7, 2013 at the Columbus Nursing & Rehab Center. He was born on September 27, 1941 at the Columbus Community Hospital to William and Louise (Grueneberg) Shepard. He graduated from the Columbus High School, Class of 1960.

Fred enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on February 27, 1961, and was Honorably Discharged in 1967. During his service (Vietnam War era), he served 2 years with the Marine Detachment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany CVA34.

He was a member of the 1st Marine Division Association; United States Seagoing Marines Association; USS Oriskany CVA-34 Reunion Association; Past Commander/Life Member of Lange-Ostrander-Hurd Legion Post 62 (Columbus); and Life Member of VFW Post 8090 (Columbus). Fred was also a member of IBEW Electrical Workers Local Union 159; Honorary Member of the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Captain and retired after 30 years; and a member of the Yellow Thunder Officials Association (1976-1995). Some of the many vocations he held during his lifetime included journeyman electrician (Stadler Electric, H&H Electric, Hill Electric, Staff Electric); over the road truck driver (Duffy Bros); terminal manager (Sather / Dana Trucking); and part owner of the Towne Tap (Columbus).

But of all of his 'many hats' and experiences during his lifetime, Fred will be most remembered as a talented sign painter, something he loved to do from the age of 14, hauling his paints around town by wagon or bike, up to his disabling stroke in 1997, usually signing the many various jobs with his 'Freddy-Did-It'. He was also able to utilize this talent at times during his military service, merging his two loves, painting signs and the United States Marine Corps.

Fred married his "Hon" Joyce (Witthuhn) on December 18, 1982 in Columbus. She survives him along with his daughter Brigette Shepard, Columbus; and son Fred "Fuzzy" (Marie) Shepard Jr., Fall River; stepdaughter Deana (Andy) Moon, Baraboo; stepson Damon (Sushann) Desjarlais, Dickson TN; brother Robert (Linda) Shepard, Columbus; mother-in-law Norma Witthuhn, Columbus; brother-in-law Jim (Eileen) Witthuhn, Sun Prairie; seven grandchildren Dustin Shepard, Amber Neller, Jordon Neller, Abby Moon, Carly Moon, Jon Moon, Tyler Desjarlais; and one great-grandson, Parker Fredric Ecklund. He is further survived by his nephews; other family members; and friends. Fred was preceded in death by his mother in 2001, his father in 1997, and father-in-law Earl Witthuhn in 1985.

Improvise, Adapt, Overcome – this is what Fred did very well in the last 16 years of his life. Over time, becoming a double amputee, and then on dialysis in his last 2 years of life. Trading a Harley (he was one of the original members of the Free Wheelers Motorcycle Club) for a power wheelchair. Though physically unable to enjoy life like before, he enjoyed watching the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, and NASCAR, and always starting his weekday listening to Uncle Bill on WBEV Radio. Visitation was held at JENSEN FUNERAL & CREMATION, 248 S. Ludington St., Columbus, on Thursday, September 12, 2013 from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Additional visitation from 10AM until 11AM, time of service, at the funeral home on Friday, September 13, 2013, concluding with military honors. Inurnment at Hillside Cemetery, Columbus on Saturday, September 14, 2013.

Thank you to the staff of the Columbus Nursing & Rehab Center for Fred's care during his brief time there for rehab. Thank you to the staff at the Beaver Dam Dialysis Center for his care during treatments. Thank you to Dr. Sam Poser, and to everyone who provided assistance & the much needed muscle in times of need. Semper Fi Marine