Vernon “Reese” “Old Man” Shaner II, of Waukesha, died unexpectedly on Saturday, August 22, 2015 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident at age 48. He was born in Kansas City, MO the son of Vernon and Bonnie Lee (nee Donaldson) Shaner. Reese was passionate about martial arts and proudly opened Waukesha Mixed Martial Arts (Waukesha MMA). He was instrumental in creating an environment for children to learn, flourish and benefit from his experience in martial arts. The Waukesha community benefited greatly from Reese’s dedication and commitment to training and hosting numerous seminars and other events. He earned three black belts, was an Evolution Fighting Champion, a Gladiators Heavyweight Champion and the number one heavyweight champion in WI. He was voted best coach in 2009. Reese was a warrior, living life in the moment and having a great sense for adventure. He lived life to the fullest and loved selflessly. He loved children and was the proud father of an Air Force Airman. Reese was a man of strong faith and was a member of Fox River Christian Church. His legacy will live on through everyone that knew him and he will not be forgotten.
He will be sadly missed by his daughter Amanda Shaner of Altus, OK; step-daughters Shannon (Paul) Wasielewski of Elkhorn and Annette (Mark) Rhode of East Troy; his grandchildren Peyton, Tyler, Autumn, Kacey, Tristen and Parker; his father and step-mother Vernon (Sylvia) Shaner; his siblings Terry (Claudia) Shaner, Merinda “Mendy” Theesfeld, Michelle (Steve) Tully, Crystal Boyles, Anna Arnold and Ruthanne Hall. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Bonnie Shaner-Combs and grandparents Eva and Forest Vaughn.
A time to greet family and friends will be held on Friday, August 28, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Fox River Christian Church, S46 W24130 Lawnsdale Rd., Waukesha, WI 53189. A celebration of Reese’s life will promptly follow at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are appreciated.
Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, Crematory and Preplanning Services is honored to serve the family. For further information, please call the funeral home at 262-547-4035 or please visit our website at
www.waukeshafunerals.com
for directions or to leave the family an online tribute message.