My heart breaks for the Shaver family with this way-too-soon loss. Eli and I swam together, participated in AFS activities (parties) together, and ate high school lunch with our friend group together. Many afternoons, snow days, and evenings were spent at the Shaver household playing board games and becoming super fans of the re-emerging Green Bay Packers in the early ‘90’s. Eli was smart, kind, and overall a genuine, good Dude. Post high school, he always met me with an authentic smile and asked how I was doing as our parents became neighbors and friends on the outskirts of town. It was always nice to run into him and catch up. On behalf of my parents and our family, please know the Shaver family will remain in our prayers.

Dan Jensen (Childhood friend) 2026-01-22 10:38:19

I will always remember Eli as the kind, cool older brother who was always so kind to us teenage girls. He always had a smile on his face even though I am certain we were quite annoying. Rosemary, I am so sorry for the heartbreak you and your children are going through. Shavers and Schneiders, although I haven’t seen your families in person for quite some time, it’s clear from the memories and photos you share how much effort you’ve always made to stay close and present in one another’s lives. (I admired that growing up and now too.) Sending love and thoughts to you all.

Erika Romenesko (Friend) 2026-01-20 18:27:25

My deepest condolences to your entire family. May Eli's memory live on in all your lives.

Susan Schenkus (Friend of my son) 2026-01-20 12:33:22

Rosemary, Our deepest condolences go out to you and your children & Eli's family I cannot imagine the pain and sorrow you are going through. Know that his angel presence will always be with you. Many prayers, love and hugs sent your way. Antoinette & Bill Habermann (New Holstein)

Antoinette Habermann (Relative) 2026-01-20 10:05:07

All our support and love. We wish we knew him more. These words say it all for a good man who set an example for us all. “ But his influence remains. In the way we explain instead of argue. In the way we stand steady when it’s hard. In the way we gather children close to warmth and light. In the way we choose kindness even when our hearts ache.”

John and Susan Heiderscheidt (Schneider/Heiberger relative) 2026-01-19 11:18:18

My heartfelt thoughts & condolences to each of you during this difficult time. 'Be assured that each of you are in my daily & fervent prayers for our Heavenly Father {Above} to provide you with His comfort & peace. which only He can truly provide.

Stan Schneider (Relative) 2026-01-19 11:14:52

Rosemary and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Know that you have been in my prayers. May God bless you with this peace and comfort during this challenging time.

Marilyn Lisowe (Friend of Steve and Kathy) 2026-01-18 21:41:55

About Eli…what can I say. ???? My heart is broken. The Shaver “kids”, like all of my “kids”, are special to me; forever in my heart. ????

Sue (Lukas Hanzel) Kleinhans (Former teacher and always a friend. ) 2026-01-18 17:58:09

Sending love, comfort & peace to all of you.

Kaylan & Chris Cahill (Georgia family) 2026-01-18 07:59:08

My deepest condolences, sent from Germany. I am shocked.

Dennis Franke (Friend) 2026-01-17 15:31:10

When I first met Eli I felt like this is a man I can talk with about most anything. Then I had the opportunity to meet his children and I was able to put it all together. The love and support to raise such wonderful people shows through the children. Words can’t express how blessed I feel to know such wonderful individuals! I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers and pray that Eli’s love for all that he cherished will help ease your loss. I always feel that the ones that leave us. Will watch over us. In gods name I pray for the comfort of all!????

Jeff Lorenz (Friend ) 2026-01-17 07:48:34

Rosemary, I know we havent crossed paths in many years, but I cannot begin to comprehend what you and and your children are suffering with the loss of Eli. You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers.

Benjamin Nadler (Schneider family relative) 2026-01-16 19:51:12

My deepest sympathies to Rosemary, Aunt Deb, Uncle Chuck, Stacy, Myhre and the children. Eli was always the sweet boy trailing closely behind Stacy at Uncle Jeff’s or Grandma’s that acted wise beyond his years. I’m gratified to see from the comments and wonderful poem that he grew into the same kind of husband, father, son and neighbor but also understand that your loss is enormous. I’m very sorry.

Chris (Cousin) 2026-01-16 17:17:22

It has been decades since I've seen Eli, but that tribute captures the young, vibrant free spirit I knew as an eighth grader. My heartfelt sympathies to all.

Donna Nett-Heus (Former teacher) 2026-01-16 13:42:38

Rosemary, you and Eli have a wonderful legacy, your children. And a wonderful family and friends, full of support. With love and hugs, David and Lynn

David and Lynn Johnson (extended family) 2026-01-16 13:12:24

what a beautiful tribute and knowoing his parents from years ago,their son was evidence of wonderful parenting

Chris and Mark Blohowiak (classmates of Debbie) 2026-01-16 11:08:45

Eli always made me feel at home when I would spend time with you all. There was never a dull moment. The positivity he brought and the outlook he had about so many things will never be forgotten. To the whole family, I’m deeply sorry for this loss. You have all been in my thoughts and will continue to be. I love you all deeply.

Anna Thomas (Friend) 2026-01-15 19:52:58

Rosemary, My most heartfelt condolences and utmost sympathies to you and Eli's children Jack, Lizzie and Gabe. I have no words, my heart hurts and don't understand why. He was an amazing person. Everyone who knew him was better person because of it.

Aaron Michael Parkinson (Friend) 2026-01-15 17:51:21

We are so deeply sorry for your loss, Rosemary and all of Eli’s extended family. Eli was a true community and family man — someone whose dedication to his loved ones was deeply evident. May you find comfort in the many memories you made together and see him reflected in all the gifts and talents he passed on to your wonderful children. He will be greatly missed.

Laura and Damian Hoerth (Friends) 2026-01-15 16:31:18

Please accept our deepest sympathies during this difficult time. Your family is in our prayers.

Sincerely, Scott Doro & The Doral Team (Business Client) 2026-01-15 14:13:44

We were heartbroken to hear about Eli. He was a genuinely great person, and the impact he had on those around him won’t be forgotten. Our deepest condolences to your family—wishing you strength and comfort as you grieve.

Charles and Sarah Paulk (Family In Atlanta) 2026-01-15 13:51:28

Oh Rosemary. Words cannot express my sadness over this immense tragedy. You and Eli were always so kind to me. You are in my prayers Pattie Krych

Pattie Krych (Relative) 2026-01-15 13:28:55

I shall always keep in mind how Eli spoke valiantly of his convictions and how he believed the world could be a better place. He spoke for so many who felt they couldn’t. A highly intelligent man with so many talents. I send my heartfelt sympathies to the family as you grieve this loss.

Annette Pleshek (Acquaintance to family) 2026-01-15 08:53:58

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May the dear Lord bless you all.

Gladys michels (Schneider family friend) 2026-01-15 07:03:59

He biked past my house so often. One day he stopped and gave his condolences for my family's loss with my husband. He had such kind words. I am just so sorry to the Shaver family for your loss. During this difficult time there are no words that can ease your grief. We learn to move forward but never move on. We find peace and love in what was. Grief seems to find a space at our table, it's cosmic loss because it was immense love. ??

Alex Salm (Neighbor ) 2026-01-14 21:50:55

May his memory be a blessing to his family and friends.

Linda Presto (Cousin ) 2026-01-14 20:33:53

Rosemary, you, your immediate family and extended family will contiue to be in my thoughts and prayers. My heart breaks for your families. I remember ages ago listening in admiration as Eli played a song he called "Save the Whales" on an acoustic guitar, and much more recently enjoying very much catching up with him at a class reunion. It didn't seem to matter how much time had passed, it was always a pleasure being around Eli. The poem in the obituary is such a beautiful tribute. Wishing you all the best as you find the strength to carry on.

Jeff Platkowski (friend ) 2026-01-14 20:29:37

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time. Eli always had a smile on his face and was always sooo proud of his children. Bernadette, Ralph, Abby & Eddy Prescott

Prescott Family (Acquaintance through kids and community) 2026-01-14 19:55:55

Rosemary, Jack, lizzy,and Gabe please know that we are praying for you all. May God give you whatever is needed daily to travel through this difficult journey ahead.

Diane and John Munsch (Friend ) 2026-01-14 17:48:40

I am at a loss of words and feel like nothing can be said to lighten the heaviness of this loss. Wrapping you, Rosemary, and your kids in so much love in hopes that it gives you all strength so you can continue to move through all of this.

Kristen Karls (Friend) 2026-01-14 17:27:50

My deepest sympathy for you and your families. ????????????

Joann Muellenbach (Friend of family) 2026-01-14 16:22:28

Eli was great. Making your way in the world today is hard enough. Making sense of it just got a lot harder too. A life as bright as Eli's that touched so many deserves to have its shining light remembered and celebrated...remembered and celebrated to the point that it will beam forever and light the new path we must take without him. I will never forget Eli.

JOEL PETHAN (Friend) 2026-01-14 15:58:23

To Eli's family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you peace, comfort, and strength in the days ahead.

Judy Woelfel (New Holstein) 2026-01-14 15:26:23

My thoughts are with you!

Josh Schenkus (Friends ) 2026-01-14 15:16:24