Shelley Rae Daringer

Shelley Rae Daringer, 64 of Eau Claire, Wisconsin peacefully answered a call to reunite with family, friends and her beloved pets on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 after a courageous fight with Metastatic Melanoma cancer. Shelley did not fear death, and knew that she would be warmly received by all who loved her and prepared for her arrival.

Shelley was born on March 17, 1962 in Waterloo, Iowa. She grew up with her younger brother, Shannon, in Sumner, IA. She demonstrated a strong work ethic that she learned while being raised in a rural farming community. Shelley became fast friends with her neighbors and coworkers, even though she was an introvert by nature. She was a kind, quiet, strong but gentle presence in the lives of everyone she crossed paths with. She had a million-dollar smile that would light up a room.

Shelley began her professional career in the fast-food industry managing stores all across the country. She loved to share stories of the various places she had lived, from Colorado to Florida. She finally made a permanent home in Eau Claire, when she purchased her home. She had hoped to one day get into Cascade Tissue Mill because her research indicated that this was one of the best Union jobs in the area. The opportunity arrived for her in June of 2014, and she served at the Mill for 11 years. She left her mark at Cascade as the first ever female Machine Tender in the history of the Mill dating back to 1882.

Shelley was known for her gentle presence, kind spirit, and her love for animals. She was a volunteer for several years with the Bald Eagle Nest Watch group (BENW), monitoring eagle nests in the Eau Claire area and reporting the activities of the nests and the fledglings that were born each spring. She loved the outdoors, and being in nature which she often captured with her passion for photography. Shelley was an artist and loved to sketch and draw. She was talented with woodworking and quite handy on the scroll saw. During her early years in Eau Claire, Shelley played in the women's slow pitch softball league. No matter where she went (work or play) she was a team player.

In the recent months, Shelley leaned on the support of her Cousins and their unwavering dedication to attend all the doctor appointments, consults, scans, etc. When they weren't able to be in town, her friends were there to help her through the tough days, and made sure she had all she needed.

Shelley is survived by her parents, James and Ramona Daringer, brother, Shannon Daringer (Lori), her beloved Ball Python, Grace O'Malley and her kitty, Charlie Rose, many friends and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, James and Dorothy Daringer, and maternal grandparents, Alvin and Mildred (Millie) Heller. The family would like to thank the Oncology team and CCU doctors and nurses at Mayo Medical Center in Eau Claire and Bloomer. A celebration of life will be held at Rod and Gun Park in Eau Claire, WI on Friday, June 26, 2026 from 5pm - 7pm.