Denver Arnold Shilts

Denver Arnold Shilts, 95, was welcomed into heaven by Jesus on his birthday, August 16, 2025.

He was born August 16, 1930, in Boyd, Wisconsin, to Edward and Pearl Shilts.

Denver served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, he was united in marriage to Keryl Steivang on December 17, 1955. They settled in Wausau and were totally devoted to each other for 69 years. 

He worked as a machinist at DJ Murray for 32 years.

Denver was a devoted Christian and lifelong member of the Mountain View Church of Christ. A good and faithful servant, he attended church whenever the doors were open and searched the scriptures daily.

He loved the outdoors, and made many memories with his family camping, fishing, and boating, and he never turned down a campfire.

An avid Packers and Brewers fan, Denver enjoyed watching his teams and cheering them on especially in his later years. Denver loved playing cards, especially the card game Rook. He never forgot a card played, which made his partners nervous. And he hated to lose.

Denver is survived by his wife, Keryl; sons, Todd (Lisa) and Mark (Lori); grandsons, Corey, Dan (Courtney), Kyle (Tess), and Ryan (Carol); great-grandchildren, Charlie and Finn; sisters, Delores (Mike) Pearson and Irene Burket, sister-in-law, Jane Shilts; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings and their spouses: Bernice (Marlyn) Mohr, Glen (Phyllis) Shilts, Marie (Don) Gilberts, Jeanette (Robert) Benzschawel, Cleve Shilts, and Wilfred (Fern) Shilts.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 2809 Jelinek Avenue, Weston. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at Ascend.

The family shares special thanks to the staff at Rennes Health & Rehab and St. Croix Hospice Services for their care in Denver's final months.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting Denver's family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.ascendweston.org.