Frederick H. Shearer Jr.

Frederick H. Shearer, Jr.

Rick is celebrating Christmas with his Lord and Savior, Jesus. He died on November 28 after a brief and courageous battle with liver cancer. From the moment he entered St. Joseph Hospital, he told friends and family that he was at peace and God was in control.

Rick was born in South Bend, Indiana, to Fred and Velma Shearer. He graduated from Riley High School, and attended Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, where he majored in biology. He loved being outside and learning about God’s wonderful creation. He instilled this appreciation for nature in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and the hundreds of students where he taught science and biology at Schmucker Middle School and Penn High School for 40 years.

While at Taylor University Rick met his future wife, Carol. They enjoyed 56 years together and were blessed with a daughter, Kathryn, and a son, Brian. Katie married Shawn Holtgren, and they have three children, Autumn, Nathan, and Victoria. Brian moved to the Pacific Northwest and married Laura where they reside with their 4 dogs.

Rick has been active at St. Mark. Missionary Church for more than 45 years, serving on the church board, participating in music, and working in children’s ministry using his love of the guitar to teach children Bible truths.

Missing Rick, but knowing how happy he is, are his wife Carol, daughter Katie (Shawn Holtgren), grandchildren Autumn, Nathan, and Victoria, and son Brian Shearer (Laura). He also leaves behind his sisters Sharolyn (Neil Brown) and Julie Olin, and many wonderful nieces and nephews, aunts, and cousins.

We thank the skillful and caring staff in the Oncology department at St. Joseph Hospital in Mishawaka, IN. Also, we are grateful to The Center for Hospice Care for the love they show to the patients and their families in their final hours.

A memorial service for Rick will be at St. Mark Missionary Church in Mishawaka on Saturday, December 9, 2023. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m.  with the service at 11:00 a.m.

Contributions in his memory may be given to St. Mark Missionary Church or Bethel University.