Neal Shaben

Neal O. Shaben, 77, of Van Wert, Ohio died at 9:50 PM on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Kindred Hospital at St. Rita’s Medical Center.  He was born July 28, 1941 in Cassville, Wisconsin to the late Orvie and Mary (Gibson) Shaben.  He is survived, in Van Wert, by his wife of 55 years, Lila (Robinson) Eck Shaben.

Neal was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving from 1959-1963 in the Strategic Air Command (S.A.C.) with the 108th Bomber Wing.  After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Neal began a career of over 40 years with I.B.M. where he served in many different capacities such as office product engineering, research and development, consulting and with world trade-serving three different countries.

In addition to his wife, Lila, Neal is survived by his children, Daniel Eck of Ohio City, Ohio, Doug (Marie Belin) Eck of Platteville, Wisconsin, Linda (Paul) Hrupka of Union Grove, Wisconsin, and Laurie (Fernando) Zapata of Evansville, Indiana; 11 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; a brother, Harry Shaben of Cassville, Wisconsin; and sisters, Carol Wentz of Lancaster, Wisconsin and Ruth Pouge of Wisconsin.

Also, preceding Neal in death are his sister, Renetta Sheperd and her husband, Morris; and a sister in law, Margot Shaben.

He was an avid fan of NASCAR, the Green Bay Packers, and the Wisconsin Badgers.  He loved to work on cars and electronics- there was nothing he could not fix.  But most importantly, Neal loved his children as his own and he was truly a SUPER DAD to them all.

A celebration of Neal’s life will be held in Wisconsin at a later date.

Preferred memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com