George F. Shinners

George F. Shinners, of Antigo, passed away on August 15, 2026 at Evergreen Terrace, following a brief battle with cancer. He was under the care of his family and LeRoyer Hospice.

George was born on June 7, 1939 in Green Bay to the late George M. and Marguerite (Goemans) Shinners. He was united in marriage to Jane Duffek on June 13, 1964 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Antigo.

George was a highly successful international entrepreneur and leader on recycling concrete pavement to make more sustainable highways and airport pavements around the world. He established several companies in the United States and Europe focused on pavement recycling and rehabilitation techniques. Most people assume he had an engineering degree, but he was a proud Letters & Science graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology (1961) and a master’s degree in industrial relations (1964) – both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

George was a former member of the JC’s and current member of the Antigo Rotary Club, Northwoods Tractor Club, Wisconsin Forest History Association, and Langlade County Historical Society. George served on several boards throughout his career, including serving as a trustee of St. John Catholic Church, Langlade County Board, City of Antigo Police and Fire Commission, Unified School District of Antigo, Antigo Area Recreation Foundation, Antigo Youth Hockey Association, Antigo Area Chamber of Commerce, Senior Center of Langlade County, Nature Conservancy’s Wisconsin Chapter, and Burke Center for Ecosystem Research in Ashland, WI. He was currently serving on the UW-Madison College of Letters and Sciences Board of Visitors and formerly served on the UW-Madison Pathways to Excellence Board. He was a lifetime member of the UW-Madison Alumni Association. He was the proud father to 5 sons, grandfather to 15, and great-grandfather to 3.

In addition to his wife Jane, George is survived by sons Matt (Jory) Shinners of Weston, Chris (Patty) Shinners of Antigo, Patrick (Susie) Shinners of Eau Claire, Ted (Brenda) Shinners of Rhinelander, and Nick (Carla) Shinners of Mt. Lebanon, PA, grandchildren Alex (Nicole), Abe (Abby), Anna, Mike (Sarah), Maddie (fiancé Ben), Jack (fiancé Izzy), Lizzy, Jo, Ben, Claire, Harri, Mason, Sam, Charlotte, and Henry, great grandchildren Averie, Lillie, and Sienna, brother Michael (Lee) Shinners, sister Mary (Bill) Burt, and brothers-in-law John Grainger and Paul (Anne) Duffek, sisters-in-law Patty (Mike) Wilson, Julie (Gary) Angus, and Bonnie Duffek.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Barabara Grainger and Margaret Gajeski, and brothers-in-law Robert Gajeski and Pete Duffek.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. John Catholic Church with Father Charles Hoffmann and Father Michael Thiel officiating. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the church. A private burial will be held at Queen of Peace Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in George’s name can be directed to the Ss. Mary and Hyacinth’s Charity Fund, Living Waters International, and the Boys and Girls Club of the Northwoods.

George’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Evergreen Terrace and LeRoyer Hospice for their care and compassion.