Shirley Joan Simonis

Age 84, of Wabeno, passed away in Milwaukee on Monday, April 13, 2015 with her daughter at her side.

Shirley was born in Wabeno, Wisconsin, on September 7, 1930, the daughter of Clyde and Jessie (Mallow) Marion. Her family resided in Wabeno and owned Clyde's Tavern there. Shirley attended school in Wabeno where she graduated in 1948. On September 30, 1950, Shirley married her high school sweetheart, Leo Simonis, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Wabeno. In 1950, Shirley moved to Milwaukee with Leo, where they raised their four daughters. Shirley was a stay-at-home mom until the girls reached an age where she worked part time jobs, one of them being a seamstress for making custom curtains. She finished her working career as the administrator of the Western States Credit Union in Butler, WI.

Shirley shared her passion for Wabeno and the northwoods with her daughters from a young age, frequently returning to her parent's home in Wabeno on weekends and holidays. In 1991, upon retirement, Shirley and Leo moved to the home they built on Trump Lake where they had purchased land. She enjoyed returning to her hometown. Shirley enjoyed many things in life, including watching the Packers and Badgers. Shirley loved to cook for her family and friends and always welcomed company into her home. But what she cherished most was family. Her having a house full of grandchildren and great grandchildren is what made her smile and laugh, making her world complete. She thoroughly enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren coming to her Trump Lake home and they too grew up loving "Up North". Outdoor activities (swimming, skiing, hunting, snowmobiling, fishing) in and around Trump Lake and Grandma's meals became part of her grandkids and great-grandkids life too. She enjoyed preparing her special sweets, home baked bread and special large meals when she knew her family was coming. She loved knowing that all this gave special meaning to the phrase, "going to Grandma's.

Shirley is survived by four daughters, Kris (Roy) Luecht of Germantown; Lee Ann (Michael) Corning of Milwaukee; Shari (James, Jr.) Roberts of Green Lake; and Kori (Tim Schott) Tiedemann of Milwaukee; Thirteen grandchildren, Jessica (Michael) Bolf, Kimberly Luecht, Kari (Scott) Cole, Eryn (Ryan) Hatchell, Jay (Jennifer) Tiedemann, Jim (Melinda Schaefer) Roberts, III, Ryan (Erica) Corning, Tera (Matthew) Scheuers, Jason (Teresa) Luecht, Jon (Kendra) Tiedemann, Joel (Cheryl) Tiedemann, JJ (Kristen) Gusho and Tom (Stacie) Roberts. Shirley was also blessed with 20 great-grandchildren, Morgan, Owen, Harlynn, Cayden, Samuel, Joselyn, Masen, Taylyn, Tenley, Allison, Mackenzie, Lilian, Logan, Callen, Lucy, Emma, Marshall, Lauren, Jackson and awaited baby Roberts.

She is further survived by two brothers-in-laws, Eugene (Ellie) Simonis of Wabeno; and Willard (Nancy) Simonis of Sullivan and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Honoring Shirley in procession will be her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband, Leo Simonis, parents, two sisters, Crystal (Ralph) McEwen and Katherine (Ray) Schrader.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM with visitation prior from 9:00 AM until time of service on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church in Wabeno. Shirley will be buried at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, WI on Monday, April 27th with visitation 5:30-7:00 PM/memorial 7:00 PM at the Family Center that evening. Memorials are appreciated in Shirley's name to any of the following: Saint Ambrose Parish, Wabeno Area Rescue Unit, or the Trump Lake Association.

She was a true Sweetheart. She loved watching the Packers, Badgers, and she is remembered for her cheerleading and participating in the HS band in the 1940"s at Wabeno High School and her love for figure skating, plus her never-ending love for her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother; a loving daughter, sister and aunt; and she was kind to everyone. Shirley was truly an example of a generous, kind hearted, all around wonderful person.