Shirley Ann Wehrel

Shirley Ann Wehrel, age 81, passed peacefully surrounded by love on Memorial Day at her home.  Shirley was born on August 19, 1941, in Bedford, Indiana, daughter of Dolphus “Doc” and Viola (Hess) Miller.  She graduated from Sacred Heart Central High School in Indiana in 1959.  After graduation, Shirley worked as a service manager at the Indiana Bell telephone company. She was blessed to meet Richard Wehrel when a mutual friend introduced them, and they would later elope on October 17, 1974.  The family moved several times for Richard’s jobs, finally settling in the Menasha area in 1990. 

Shirley was her true authentic self.  In her younger years, she was a member of a parachute club and skydived three times.  This fueled a lifelong interest in aviation.  Shirley loved a good book and was a collector of coins, stamps and lighthouse statues.  She was especially fond of collecting baseball cards, a passion that she learned from her stepfather, and that she passed on to her grandson.  Shirley had a sweet tooth and loved to bake, something she enjoyed teaching her granddaughter.  The holidays were her favorite time of year, welcoming everyone with food, love and open arms.  She prided herself on creating a warm and comforting home for all.  Shirley had a community-minded heart; volunteering and coordinating volunteers at Loaves and Fishes of the Fox Valley.  Shirley will always be remembered as a generous, strong-willed woman, who would do anything for her family and friends.  She truly made the world a better place. 

Shirley will be missed by her loving husband of 48 years: Richard Wehrel; her devoted daughters: Ann (Kevin) Huelsbeck and Jane (Joe Pollock) Wehrel; her grandchildren: Brenden and Kylee Huelsbeck; and sisters: Rhea (Al) Jones and Jennifer (the late John) McGlone.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather: Walter Zapp; and her siblings: Dolphus (Patricia) Miller Jr., Barbara (Richard) Cassis, and Ellen (Al) Blake. 

An intimate private family ceremony was held, and a celebration of Shirley’s life will be planned for a later date. 

Condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Loaves and Fishes of the Fox Valley are greatly appreciated.  www.loavesandfishesfv.org

Shirley’s family would like to offer their heartfelt thank you to the Thedacare Regional Cancer Center, the caregivers with Home Instead, Thedacare at Home Hospice, and her friends and family for their love and support.