Richard “Dick” Shaurette, 77, of Chippewa Falls, passed away in the early morning hours of September 23, 2024.

He was born on April 4, 1947, in Chippewa Falls, to Adrian and Leona (Rubesch) Shaurette.

Richard graduated from McDonell Central High School in 1966. Throughout high school Richard worked as a short order cook at Empire Café where the vision of Ricardo’s Pizza was born and would later come to fruition. He traveled to Stanley looking for work and instead found his bride of 57 years, Nancy (Hendrickson). They were married on June 3, 1967, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stanley.

After high school, Richard entered the workforce to work at National Presto Industries for several years. Following this employment, he worked for Uniroyal Tire Company up until its closure.

Ricardo’s Pizza was born in 1981. Richard and family served signature pizza, salads and subs to the Eau Claire community along with family and friends until its closure in 1988. To this day he has never shared his “secret” sauce and hand-pinched sausage recipes.

For a number of years, Richard and Nancy were well known for their brilliant and grand Christmas light display at their home on County N in Chippewa Falls. This passion led them to their positions on the original planning committee for the first ever Irvine Park Christmas Village in 1988. The Christmas Village has continued to delight visitors, young and old, for 36 years.

During his boy’s high school years, you could find Richard running chain gang under the Friday night lights. In later years he ran chains alongside his son Roland. 

Richard spent many of his later years attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events. He was so proud of all their accomplishments.

In Richard and Nancy’s 57 years of marriage, they were blessed with five children, sixteen grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy; two daughters, Michelle (Mike) Deetz and Janelle (Bryan) Prince; two sons, Scott (Michelle) and Ryan (Lisa) Shaurette, daughter in-law, Ingrid Hepfler; sixteen grandchildren, sixteen great- grandchildren; and two sisters, Margaret Behnke and Mitzi Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his son, Roland; parents, Adrian and Leona; two brothers, Terry and Donald; and three sisters, Joanne, Anne Marie, and Patricia.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, September 29 at 4:00 p.m. at the Horan Funeral Home in Chippewa Falls. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Friends may call from 1pm-4pm, Sunday, September 29 at the funeral home.