Shirlee R. Wydeven

Shirlee Wydeven – dedicated wife, beloved mother of five, and friend of many – passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 10, 2023 at the age of 93. She lived in Kimberly with her loving husband Jack for their married life of 72 years. 

Shirlee was preceded in death by her husband John, her son Tim who died at the age of 11, her parents Charles and Barbara Smith, her sister Elaine (Warner) Londo, and her granddaughter Kristy. She is survived by her children Tom (Mary Jo), Ted (Mary Margaret), Todd, Julie (Julie Heidemann), grandchildren Tim, Amber (Heath), Joe, Amy (Greg) Trapp, Kate, and great grandchildren Camren, Samantha, Brooke, and Dani. 

Through the years, Shirlee enjoyed many activities. She was an avid reader, loved cooking for her family, playing cribbage, belonged to a bridge club, and played endless games of sheepshead and Skip-Bo over the years after family dinners at home. Shirlee also devoted many hours to her volunteer work such as the Octoberfest “Hugs Not Drugs” ATODA pie stand (over 25 years) and drug prevention committees. Shirlee worked at the first nursing home in the Fox Valley in her younger years followed by a career in Occupational Therapy at St. Elizabeth’s and Theda Clark Neenah. Later in life she was a committed and caring community counselor. 

Loved by so many, her characteristics of generosity, patience, acceptance of others, insightfulness and wisdom shined bright. She was a kind, gentle, loving soul who had such a calming presence. Shirlee possessed a strong commitment and bond to her children and their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be dearly missed but will live in our hearts forever. “There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others” (by M. Hale). 

A service for Shirlee will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Wichmann Funeral Home, located at 537 N. Superior Street in Appleton and burial will take place at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at King, Wisconsin along with her husband at a later date. Friends are invited to gather at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM until the hour of the service.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Care Partners staff for all of the support and loving care given to Shirlee and the family.