Richard Shira

RICHARD EARL SHIRA

Richard Earl Shira entered this world on April 19, 1930, and was called home to Jesus on July 22, 2016, at the age of 86. He was the youngest child of Austin Flint Shira and Pearl Charlotte (Kitzman) Shira.

As a youngster, Richard was very involved in Scouting. After working his way through Cub Scouts and Boys Scouts troup six at Center Methodist Church he attained the rank of Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow. He was able to attend the National Scout Jamboree at Valley Forge, PA along with many trips to the Boundary Waters. Later Richard served as Assistant Scoutmaster to troops in the Winona area.

After graduating from Winona High School in 1949 he enlisted in the Navy where he served aboard the USS Fletcher for 3 years, 9 months and 16 days, Richard returned to resume civilian life in Winona. He enrolled at Winona State and obtained his teaching degree in Industrial Arts. There he met his bride of 60 years, Myrtle M. Kratz.  Richard and Myrtle wed on August 11, 1956, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Winona.

A teaching job in Roseville, MN took the young couple to the St. Paul area. Richard taught in the Roseville School District for 31 years taking advantage of an early retirement plan in 1985. During those years he served as Head Swimming Coach for the Alexander Ramsey High School boys’ swim team.  Student achievement was very important to Richard.  He valued life-long friendships with many of his former students and teaching colleagues.

After retirement, Richard and Myrtle returned to the place they both loved, a home that Richard built during summers in Homer overlooking the Mississippi River. Richard became very involved with the Winona Chapter of Trout Unlimited where he edited CREEL NEWS, the chapter's monthly newsletter. He regularly helped with stream improvement around Winona County.  An avid trout fisherman, he was instrumental in implementing many “take your kids fishing day" at Whitewater State Park.

Taking his children and grandchildren out on the river was a big part of every summer for the father of four and the grandfather of 12. His children and grandchildren have a deep appreciation for the Mighty Mississippi, a legacy that will continue to his great grandchildren and beyond.

Fly fishing and deer hunting in the Whitewater and Pickwick streams were favorite pastimes of Richard, He passed the love of those sports to his son and grandsons. Using the freshwater springs above the old highway that were used when the family had a summer home on what is now Highway 61, Richard created his own little slice of heaven and built a trout holding pond that all of his grandkids grew to enjoy.

Richard was a member of St. Martin's Lutheran Church in Winona and formerly of Emmaus Lutheran Church in St. Paul where he served his Savior in many capacities.

He is survived by his wife Myrtle, Winona; daughters, Holly (Kevin) Landauer, Eagan, MN; Laura (Rick) Currier, Circle Pines, MN; son, Scott (Marianne) Shira, Winona, MN; and daughter, Ellen (Scott) Stekel, Rochester, MN; twelve grandchildren: Nick Landauer, Jordan (Samantha) Landauer, Nathan Landauer, Austin (Lauren) Shira, Hunter (Stacy) Shira, Makenzie Shira, Logan Shira, Zachary Stekel, Kara Stekel, Emile Shira, Elizabeth Currier, Ellen Currier; and great-granddaughter, Annabelle Shira. Richard is also survived by his brother, Austin Shira, Jr., Cottonwood, AZ;

He was preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Pearl Shira; brothers, William and Lewis Shira, and his sister, Charlotte Wichers.

Richard’s family will receive visitors and friends at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, from 6 PM until 8 PM, where a Prayer Service will be held at 7:30 PM.  Visitation will also be held at St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, from 12:30 PM until the time of the funeral service at 1:30 PM.  The Reverend Richard A. Moore will officiate.

Following the service, the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post 9 of Winona will provide military honors outside of the church.  A luncheon and reception will be held in the church fellowship hall after the military honors.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope Lutheran High School, St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, or to the Win-Cres Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

Online condolences or memories ma y be left for Richard’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.