David "Dave" Brian Shalbrack

Racine – David “Dave” Brian Shalbrack, age 58, passed away peacefully at the Hospice Alliance Hospice House in Racine, Wis. on Dec. 10, 2013 following a courageous battle with cancer. 

Dave was born in Racine on May 30, 1955 to James Lee and Betty Lou (nee: Jensen) Shalbrack. He graduated from J.I. Case High School in 1974. 

On May 8, 1982, Dave married the love of his life, Katherine (Kay) Draeger at St. Lucy Catholic Church. They welcomed one son, Matthew David, in 1990. 

Dave began his career in manufacturing as a machinist at his grandfather’s company, Scan-O-Matic. Thereafter, he held various positions with manufacturers throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. As a service engineer, Dave traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and Europe. His knowledge and high standards for product management brought him back to quality control and customer service areas in manufacturing, most recently at Case New Holland. 

To reinforce the importance of education to his son, at the age of 52, Dave proudly earned his Bachelor of Science Degree, Cum Laude, from Cardinal Stritch University. He had completed several Masters level classes at Carthage College with the intention of teaching as a second career. 

As an avid outdoorsman, Dave enjoyed hunting, fishing, baseball, photography, and was a competitive shooter. Most of all, he cherished time spent with family and friends.  He was a member of St. Joseph Parish. 

Surviving are his wife, Katherine, their son, Matthew, and their loyal companion, Abby.  Dave is further survived by his father, James of Racine, Wis., brothers, Timothy (Val) Shalbrack of Doylestown, Pa., Peter (Kelly) Shalbrack of Fountain Hills, Ariz., Michael (Julie) Shalbrack of Rockford, Ill., mother-in-law, Marie Ruppert of Racine, Wis., father-in-law Jerome (Carol) Draeger of Racine, Wis., brothers-in-law Quin Kenny of Roscoe, Ill., David (Kathleen) Draeger of Byron Center, Mich., Jay (Leda) Draeger of Charlotte, N.C., and Steven (Failin) Draeger of Orinda, Calif. He is also survived by aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins, and close personal friends. Dave was preceded in death by his mother, Betty, his sister, Ann Kenny and by his grandparents and uncles. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Parish, located at 1533 Erie Street, on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013 at 11:00 am with Fr. Steve Varghese officiating. A luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the church on Tuesday from 9:00 – 11:00 am.   In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Joseph Parish, the Racine Public Library, or Health Care Network have been suggested. 

The family would like to extend their gratitude to relatives and friends for the many acts of kindness, support and prayers. The laughter and memories shared with you provided much comfort during this difficult year.  Also, heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mullane, Dr. Eyzaguirre and medical staffs for their dedicated and compassionate care. May God bless all of you! 

 “Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities.  It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul.  And those three things are going to carry on forever.”        – Jim Valvano