Monya Marie Shenkenberg

Shenkenberg, Monya Marie (nee Hanson)  Born to Eternal Life on March 9, 2019 at the age of 81 years.  Long time resident of Whitefish Bay and Wind Point.  Loving wife of William Shenkenberg and mother of Stephen (Jane), Sara Ruemelin, Laura (Daniel) Timm, Jana (Bruce) Pagel and Bill (Sarah Davies).  Devoted grandmother of Michael (Lily), Sarah (Vince), Stefanie and Jacob; Jonathan and Elizabeth; Christine (David); Jacob and Joseph; Will, Emma and Sam; and great-grandmother of Jack and Luke.  She is further survived by her sisters Myrna (Charles) Fredrickson and Rita (Norbert) Svatos, former son-in-law, Charles Ruemelin, and her many nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends. Monya was preceded in death by her parents Homer and Leone Hanson.

Monya and Bill went on their first date together as University of Wisconsin students in February of 1956.  Following a courtship under the strict and watchful eye of Monya’s parents, they married in September of 1957, at the ages of 19 and 20.  Over the next decade, their marriage was blessed with five children.  Her circle of friends grew during their time living in Madison, Milwaukee, Whitefish Bay, and Wind Point, and more recently with her many dear friends from her winters in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

Monya cherished her role as a devoted mother, and created a loving home for her family.  She somehow found time in those busy years for La Leche League, bridge club, quilting groups, and volunteering with her children’s many school and extracurricular activities.  Her children’s many friends over the years always were welcomed warmly into her home, and treated as another one of her own.  Once her children were older, she greatly enjoyed her time working at the Whitefish Bay and Racine libraries, and participating in a book club with dear friends in Racine for 20 plus years.  She loved reading, traveling, sewing for her children and grandchildren, vacationing with her sisters and their families at Lake McDonald, and of course, spending time talking with old friends of many years or new friends she just met.

Of all the roles she played in her life, perhaps none suited her better than grandmother.  She cherished helping to care for her grandchildren when they were young, attending every sporting event and concert she could, and hearing about each new endeavor and accomplishment as they happened.  She was further blessed with two great-grandsons, and treasured each moment with them.  She loved them all deeply, and none could have asked for a more caring grandma.

She found joy in her daily walks, which continued until recent months.  Her faith played a central role in her life, and gave strength to her and those around her.  Her inner strength and faith were perhaps never more apparent than during the course of her battles with cancer.  But not even this disease could ever make her complain or feel sorry for herself, and she never lost her faith.  With her husband by her side for every appointment, test, scan, treatment and surgery, she made a remarkable return to good health for over two years.  The additional years were truly a blessing, and Monya’s family is grateful for the wonderful and compassionate care she received from Dr. William Bradley and the staff at the Froedtert Cancer Center.

Monya lived a long and full life, yet was taken from us far too soon.  She began each day with a full heart and optimistic spirit, and readily shared them both.  She made friends easily, cared for others deeply, and had a way of making everyone feel special.  She was always available to offer a friendly voice or compassionate ear.  Monya always seemed to have the right things to say, at the right moments.  Her comforting voice and advice seemed to make problems less daunting and worries less intense.  There was only one Monya, and her passing will leave a large hole in the hearts and lives of all she knew.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 15 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 12700 West Howard Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin, at 1:00 PM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to:

Women’s Health Research Program

c/o Medical College of Wisconsin

Attn:  Department of OBGYN

9200 West Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, WI  53226