Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
For those who did not grow up in a depression era, family-oriented, hard-working, ethical, environmentally conscious family, please know these important things: Always greet your family, friends (and strangers) enthusiastically, with a big, friendly smile and some kind words. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. That folded up piece of aluminum foil in your kitchen drawer can be used again and again, for up to 25 years if you're careful with it. Gift wrapping paper and bows can be re-used for up to 30 years. If you bring children into this world, it is YOUR responsibility to take care of them. Used coffee grounds can be re-roasted in your oven on a brown paper bag and brewed a second time. No matter what you are going through, there will always be someone who has it better and someone who has it worse than you. Don't swear. Eat hardy. If you answer the TV remote instead of the telephone, you won't be able to hear the person on the other end of the line. Gardening is extremely therapeutic, and everybody likes flowers. When calling trump' in the card game Rook', always choose the color you have the most of, even if you have higher cards in another suit. Remember those twice-roasted coffee grounds? They make excellent compost after round-two in the coffee maker. Add those coffee grounds to the plastic compost pail under your kitchen sink. Follow the wisdom in the Bible. "Rise and Shine" every morning!
Although the Lord decided to call Shirley home on Sunday, June 3, 2018, the precious, intangible gifts she left behind will continue to enrich the lives of those she touched, and those who choose to follow her examples and heed her wisdom. As a silver lining to her departure from life, she was remarkably healthy and active until a stroke took her quickly, limiting her suffering. She was surrounded by family in the comfort of her own living room in the town of Winchester when she took her final breath.
Shirley was born on December 14, 1929, the 12th of 14 children to Henry and Laura (Sauby) Olson. The family lived on North Loop Road in Larsen, Clayton Township. She graduated from Winneconne High School in 1947. On May 20, 1950, she married Gordon Jacob of Neenah. In 1965 Shirley purchased the homestead where she grew up, and raised her own eight children there. She retired at the age of 62 from Theda Clark hospital where she worked at the admittance desk. She then kept very busy in retirement, keeping connected with relatives, friends and her garden on a daily basis. If you received Shirley's 'garden tour' upon your visit then you shared one of her greatest therapeutic joys. Shirley's home was a haven of safety and love, where all were treated with respect and interest, no exceptions!
Shirley is survived by one sister, Lou (Roger) Seelow; and eight grateful children; Dave (Kim), Bill (Diane), Mark (Danette), Paul, Tom (Kerri), Rick (Colleen), Caroline (Ken) Christian, and Barb Jacob. Shirley is also survived by a whole lot of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who gave her much joy and happiness throughout her life. All will miss the frequent gatherings at grandma's house. Equally missed will be the smell of baking buns (no one could eat just two).
Seven sisters and five brothers beat Shirley to the finish line; Ruth (Joe) Peterson, Doris (Emil) Lenz, Beatrice (Gordon) Johnson, Mae (John) Herman, Marjorie (Willard) Olson, Ginny (Jerry) Winter, Bonny (Sonny) Borchert, Orrin (Geneva), Donald (Phoebe), Bayward (Rosemary), Ruebin (Lois), and Leo.
To the many relatives and friends who spent time with Shirley over the past years, please know how important your visits and conversations were to her. She was always excited to talk about who visited, or who she spoke with on the phone. She lived to interact with others. And as her family, we are sincerely grateful to each of you for playing a role in her long and happy life.
Instead of monetary gifts, please do something kind and thoughtful for another human being in remembrance of Shirley's compassionate heart. And know that the most important things about our Shirley will be passed on, generation after generation, presumably just as she inherited her positive attitude and kind heart from Henry and Laura Olson. Shirley's children take comfort in knowing they come from good stock'.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, June 8, 2018, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. Winneconne. Visitation will continue on Saturday, June 9 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church of Winchester 8396 Steeple Hill Dr. Larsen, Wisconsin. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Connie Bramlett officiating. Burial will follow in the Clayton Cemetery.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.
Sharon Korn Lambert wrote on June 8, 2018
Dave and everyone. A reflection of your mom's beautiful spirit, the obituary written for her was one of the best I've ever read. I remember her gentle nature and ready smile. It's sad to see people we love leave...especially moms...but knowing where they are headed as well as the legacy she has left behind makes it easier somehow...and really she'll always be around or with you somewhere. Dave, my condolences to you in your sadness
Ramon and Jan Cruz wrote on June 8, 2018
We send our deepest sympathies to your family at this difficult time.
Tom and Sheri Jo Posselt wrote on June 8, 2018
Our sympathy and prayers go out to Shirleys family and friends. A long time ago my brother asked me what happened to you did you sprout a green thumb? that year I had flowers all around my house and every year since and it was all because I took a walk with Shirley around in her garden. She shared her love of flowers and I was smitten ever since!
Connie & Jim VerKuilen wrote on June 7, 2018
We were saddened to hear of Shirley's passing. So glad that she didn't have to linger & suffer. Our sincerest sympathies to the family. Shirley babysat our son while we lived in Grandma Paulsons house around 1973. She always had some warm bakery or homemade pizza for us when we picked Adam up along with garden goodies. We regret that we didn't keep in closer contact with Shirley and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Your mother was one of the sweetest people we have ever known. Love to all
Kerry wrote on June 7, 2018
I didn't know Shirley, but was privileged to read her obituary through a friend; what a wonderful lady she sounded like, much like my own mom; many of the things you shared were in her life and times, too; so glad you were blessed to have her and thank you for sharing what was most important about her with others and for bringing back memories of my own mom; you and your family have my sympathy at your loss and my happiness for you that you had the growing up and adulthood with your mom that you were blessed with; I will keep you all in my prayers and I hope that your Shirley has run into my Betty :)
CHERYL VIETH wrote on June 7, 2018
My sympathy to all. May your many memories give you Peace. What wonderful tributes that you have shared about Shirley.
Linda & Rick Neimy wrote on June 7, 2018
Dear Caroline, Ken and family, We are so sorry for your loss of Shirley.
The words describing her are absolutely written from love and respect of her life well lived. Her generosity and kindness will be an inspiration to us all. Your Mom/Grandma will be greatly missed. You are in our prayers.
be greatly missed. You are in our prayers.
Sandy Wendling wrote on June 6, 2018
Sorry for your lost Danette and Mark and to the rest of the family members also. I was blessed to have known her and able to have gone on a river cruise vacation with her. She was a great lady.
Debbie (Schmidt) Schmid wrote on June 6, 2018
I know every one of you kids and spent a lot of time at your home back in the day. Your mom was one of the nicest people, always kind with a welcoming smile on her face. I never heard her speak a bad word about anyone or to anyone. You are all very blessed to have been raised by such a woman, who possessed unending patience, kindness, understanding, and immense love for each of you. The beautifully written obituary is a true testament to her life and one that was well lived. I do remember her beautiful flowers. At the time they meant not so much to a teenage girl. But in recent years, often when I drove past her home, I would remember those beautiful gardens at your home place, as well as one thing you did not mention. Her fabulous, awesome, amazingly delightful, carrot cakes. I cannot eat a piece of carrot cake without remembering hers, which was truly the best ever. No others can ever compare. My condolences to you all, and I know that she is smiling down on every one of you with that sweet and genuine smile of hers. You are a fine group of children who were raised by one of the very finest mothers ever. She will be well and long remembered by everyone that knew her.
Kay Richardson Christiansen wrote on June 6, 2018
Dave and Bill, Sorry to hear of your loss. A Mother's love is such a wonderful thing, keep it with you always. Will keep your family in my prayers.
Paula Jacob wrote on June 6, 2018
I was so lucky to grow up with you in my life... Always treating me like a real part of your family. I was always welcome to stay. The times in my life spent on North Loop Rd are the happiest of my times. I fondly recall sitting on the porch in the evening listening to your stories. I will miss your smiling face. Love you Shirley
Russ & Amy Volp wrote on June 6, 2018
What a AWESOME obit. Very well written! You all should be very proud as you all have a bit of Shirley in you. Prayers and hugs to all of you.
Donna Borski wrote on June 6, 2018
God Bless you all! And, God Bless your mom! Sorry for your loss.
Kerry Gorges wrote on June 6, 2018
I worked with Shirley years ago at Theda Clark, she was the sweetest lady! Always had a smile for everyone and was always there to listen.Her wonderful heart and sweet smile will be remembered by everyone who knew her. My sympathy to all of her family and friends.
Daniel Jorgensen wrote on June 5, 2018
Dawn & I consider you a friend Paul and we both send you our deepest condolences.
David and Deanna Morin wrote on June 5, 2018
She must have bee a special lady.
Beth Johnson Wells wrote on June 5, 2018
I've been in love with Shirley since I met her. She was lovely to me & friends when we were not lovable. Shirley was the same, gracious person every time I talked with her. I'm so happy my children got to meet ( and play rook) with her. I will never forget Shirley.
Tracy Jacobson wrote on June 5, 2018
Time spent with Shirley was time well spent. A lesson to be learned, a laugh to be had and a hug to show she cared.
Enjoy the beauty of God's garden, Shirley. I'm blessed to have had you in my life.
Sandy and Tom Konen wrote on June 5, 2018
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs to you.
Judy evans wrote on June 5, 2018
I want to thank you for letting me share her last days here. I only hope I was able to bring her a little comfort. She was always there when I needed a touch of home or a buck up talk and trust in the lord advice. I will miss her a lot.
Luanne (Herman) Wopp wrote on June 5, 2018
What a thoughtful and interesting obit for a great lady. I'm proud to have found her in my Family Tree.
Linda Haufe wrote on June 5, 2018
Whoever wrote her obit above has summed up the life of this amazing woman perfectly. She was a light in my life making sure my sister an I had a mom after ours passed away. Visits and phone calls with her were always a highlight of my day. Shall miss her so much. Have fun in heaven, Shirley.
Nancy & Charlie Olson wrote on June 5, 2018
We will miss that bright ray of sunshine and love. Rest In Peace Aunt Shirley, every time we see a flower we will think of youd
Theresa Jacob DeMars wrote on June 4, 2018
You were my rock!Threw thick @ thin you were always there for me! You will be forever in my Heart!! I will miss you dearly,I love you Shirley
Wanda Hase wrote on June 4, 2018
One of the most amazing and impactful obituaries ever published to match one of the most amazing and impactful persons I have every known. Shirley instilled so much in others her legacy will forever reside in all who had the pleasure of knowing her through family, friends and church - her door was always open so there were no strangers only friends she hadn't yet met. Our condolences to the family, cherish all that you have gained from this amazing lady and hold on to all the beautiful memories. Heaven has gained an angel. Love Dennis & Wanda Hase