Obituary: Shirley Elaine Neitzel, age 82

by Jim Dittmann
0 comment

Shirley Elaine Neitzel, age 82 of Beaver Dam and formerly of Fox Lake, passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday, December 18, 2017.

Shirley was born on January 18, 1935 in Fall River, the daughter of William and Aurelia (Leiseman) Ganz. As a young woman, Shirley grew up in Fall River near the Leiseman family farm. There with her cousins she made many good memories to tell her children about. She moved to Fox Lake where she attended Fox Lake Schools. On February 6, 1954, she was united in marriage to Harris R. Neitzel in Beaver Dam at the Methodist Church. After starting a family they moved back to Fox Lake and joined St. John’s Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, and helping to start the Lutheran Pioneers.

In 1994 they moved to rural Beaver Dam where she enjoyed spending time outdoors working in her yard with her flowers and mowing lawn. Making memories while baking and having campfires with her grandchildren was a favorite pastime. She also loved to watch Scotty go for that checkered flag. For 25 years she drove school bus for Edmund’s Bus Service, safely transporting 2 generations of children. Those children meant a lot and were treated to homemade treats on every Holiday. 

After semi-retiring, she enjoyed working at the Beaver Dam Mall, where she very much loved to take care of the plants. One of her proud accomplishments was getting a banana to grow on the banana tree. Shirley had a generous heart, always taking care of others. She could quickly put a smile on almost any face. Shirley loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren more than life itself. She will be greatly missed by them.

Shirley is survived by her children, Joni (Russell) Linde of Beaver Dam, Brenda (Kevin) Huhndorf of Oakfield, Kari Roth of Appleton and Scott (BrendaLee) Neitzel of Beaver Dam; her grandchildren, Jason (Tiffany Dines) Herringa, Joshua (Angela) Herringa, Amanda (Joseph) Fischer, Adam (Amanda) Messer, Andrew Messer, Abigail Messer, Bryce (Megan) Bokath, Randall (Megan Goltz) Bokath; her great-grandchildren, Aubreigh Herringa, Emily and Jacob Herringa, Charlotte and EvelynFischer, Preston Bokath, Ethan, Kyler, Chance, Rylan; and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.She will be greatly missed by her cats, Tramp and Lenny.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harris on February 2, 2017; daughter, Cheri Herringa; son, Randy Neitzel; brother, Reuben (Gwen) Ganz; and many other relatives.

Visitation for Shirley will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1310 N. Center St., Beaver Dam from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Collin Vanderhoof officiating. Inurnment at Highland Memory Gardens, town of Trenton, will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, all memorials in Shirley’s name may be directed to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family’s guest book at www.cstonefs.com

You may also like

Leave a Comment