The Reverend Dr. Richard Joseph Shuta entered his eternal rest on January 4, 2025 in Chelsea Michigan at the age of 85.  He was born in Olyphant, Pennsylvania, son of the late Joseph Shuta and Irene Matushak Shuta Mueller.  He attended Scranton Central High.  Dr. Shuta began seminary education at the age of 17. As a result, he was on vicarage before the age of 21.

Dr.Shuta attended the Missouri Synod's Seminary, then in Springfield, Illinois.  While at the seminary Dr. Shuta was chapel organist and had the privilege of being a member of its choir when it sang in New York City's famous Carnegie Hall.

Graduating from the Springfield Seminary, Dr. Shuta got a degree in Psychology, the next year from Valparaiso University.  The Synod then issued a call to Dr. Shuta, they asked him if would accept a position as Dean of Men and professor at Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska.  He accepted the call.

When the Synod's Jr. College in Ann Arbor decided to become a four Year College, it extended a call to him to be the Chair of its Religion-Philosophy Division.  He held that position for over 10 years.

Dr. Shuta's interest in both missions and communications bore fruit when he wrote major articles for the new magazine Good News.  His article on Baptism, for example, has been translated into seventeen languages.  Dr. Shuta has also been heard on over 50 broadcasts for Issues Etc., a program on KFUO, St.Louis.

Dr. Shuta's Church career has had one goal, as he says "to be an instrument of God for good rather than evil."  The Lord has graciously answered that prayer by giving him the privilege and responsibility of teaching Christ's men and women over 45 years.

Richard is survived by sister: Marcia Rudat, nephews Jeff, Kevin (Jessica) and Todd Rudat (April), Grandnephew David and Grandniece Julia Rudat.  He was predeceased by his young sister Beverly and Brother in law David L. Rudat.

Funeral Services will he held Friday January 17 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church 701 West Lackawanna Ave, Dickson City, with a visitation from 10 to 11 AM with services to follow at 11 AM conducted by the Reverends Peter Richert and John Zimmerman.  Interment Union Cemetery, Peckville,PA

In lieu of flowers a memorial donation cen be sent to the Luthern Bible Translators ot St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, 701 West Lackawanna Ave.,Dickson City,PA 18447.