Frank Moran Shappert

It is with deep sadness that the children of Frank Moran Shappert announce his passing on June 14, 2022, in Rockford, IL at the age of 92.
Born in Belvidere, IL on October 30, 1929, Frank Shappert was the oldest of three children and only son of Fred and Verona Shappert. He was raised and educated in Belvidere and graduated first in his class from Belvidere High School. During his early years, Frank developed a lifelong passion for sailing and frequently won races on Delavan Lake, WI—a legacy that he passed on to his only son Fred, who has also become an award-winning Delavan Lake sailor.
After high school, Frank matriculated at the Mercersburg Academy where he studied for a year before entering Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, where he studied engineering. He subsequently transferred to the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, IL where he studied business administration, participated in the Kappa Sigma fraternity, and graduated third in his class, receiving the distinguished Mortar Board Award and was a Bronze Tablet recipient. It was during a summer school term at the University of Wisconsin that Frank met Margaret Mae “Margie” Wiseman, who he subsequently married, and who was the love of his life.
After graduating from the University of Illinois, Frank served his country as a Second Lieutenant in the Korean War. Upon his return, he married Margie and together they raised three children. Frank served as President of Shappert Engineering Company, a thriving construction business that operated throughout the Midwest and the Deep South.
In addition to his considerable business success, Frank contributed mightily to his community. He served as President of the PTA, was an active director for the Blackhawk Council of the Boy Scouts of America, sang in various choirs, taught Sunday school, participated in street-corner evangelism, supported and lead revival crusades initiatives in the Rockford area, and mentored many Christians in their spiritual growth and development. Into his 90’s, Frank remained a faithful spiritual leader, who regularly prayed and encouraged residents and visitors at the Saint Anne Presence Center in Rockford, where Frank lived for four years. His family will miss Frank’s wisdom, encouragement, and gentle spirit.
Frank was preceded in death by the passing of his beloved wife Margie, who went to be with Lord on November 15, 2021. He is survived by their three children, Gretchen Shappert, Betsy (James) Easton, and Fred Shappert; their grandchildren Charles (Jenn) McBride, Reed (Jen) McBride, Emily (Justin) Kellenberger, Alexander (Madeline) Easton, Sarah (Luke) Corsiglia, and Scott Shappert, and by eight great grandchildren: Hudson, Holly, & Maverick McBride; Will, Kara & Owen McBride; and Coral & Elliot Kellenberger.
In leu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be made in Franks honor to The Rockford Rescue Mission or The Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. on Friday, June 24, 2022, at Rock Church, 6732 Harrison Av. Rockford. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 A.M. with a luncheon to follow. Graveside services will held be at Belvidere Cemetery following the luncheon. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.