Shirley M. Budlow

(Nee Berg) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at age 88. Shirley was born in Blair, WI on September 28, 1924, the daughter of the late Odwin and Alma (Knutson) Berg. Preceding her in death were her husband of 65 years Robert J., her brothers Allen Berg, Donald Berg and her sister Anne Marie (Berg) Boe.

Shirley grew up on a farm in Blair, WI, one of five children. When her husband returned from Naval service in WWII they moved to Milwaukee where they raised their three children. During those years she was employed at Lutheran Hospital of Milwaukee. Shirley had been a devoted member of Mt. Hope Lutheran Church for 59 years and her contributions to the church are numerous. She began teaching Sunday School and later became the Department Leader. Shirley took the lead in providing refreshments for church meetings and funerals as well as baking bread for communion and arranging meals for families in need. Her baking skills are legendary and have been enjoyed by many. She was a life-long member of Rachel Circle, the Altar Guild, the Bible Study Group and was Prayer Chain Captain. She will be greatly missed by the members of Mt. Hope.

Shirley will also be remembered for her creativity. She was a talented seamstress and furrier and took numerous courses at the Technical College to learn new techniques and expand her skills. In later years reading had been her favorite pastime.

Shirley is survived by her children Robert (Linda), Mark (Kim) and Kristine (Ronald) Pietersma, and grandchildren Brandon and Jake Budlow and Erik and Ann-Marie Pietersma.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 24 at Mt. Hope Lutheran Church, West Allis at 1:00 PM. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 PM. Burial will be at Rest Haven Cemetery, Blair, WI on Thursday, July 25, 2013. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Shirley's name may be made to Mt. Hope Lutheran Church, 8633 West Becher Street, West Allis, WI 53227.