Shirley Elsie Kessler

Shirley Elsie Emma Kessler (Vollmann) Entered into eternal life on Tuesday May 14, 2019 at the age of 88 years. Loving wife of Donald who preceded her in death 56 years ago, beloved mother of Cyndi (Kurt) and Cathy, cherished grandmother of Becky (Arik), Brae (Ben), Bettina, Brooke (Dan), Don (Kristy), Heather (Eric),Dave, her adored great grandchildren, Samantha, Ian, Jacob, Caleb, Tyler, Allison, Ryan, Theresa, Lilly, Hudson and Alekzander.

Shirley was born in Milwaukee to Alma and Walter Vollmann. She and her sisters Dorothy and Beverly were brought up by their aunt Elsie and uncle Dewey Hess when at 3 her mother died. For a time they lived in Edgerton, Wisconsin where she shared many wonderful memories and was confirmed at their church St. John’s. After a move back to Milwaukee Shirley graduated from Custer High School and took a position in the book keeping department at Nunn Busch where she met the love of her life Don.  They married November 11, 1950 and welcomed their children Cyndi and Cathy. At the age of 32 Shirley became a widow when Don passed away from complications of heart disease caused by childhood polio and rheumatic fever, at only 34. She became a single working mother and took a job as a bank teller to support her family. Shirley advanced into Commercial banking where she held positions for many years. She was a Notary Public, took classes at Marquette earning credits in banking, a member of the American Business Women’s Association where she held several offices and was the Visions Chapter Woman of the Year in 1985.

Shirley was a great cook and baker, yeast baking her speciality, a seamstress taking tailoring and upholstery classes , an artist who painted ceramics, sweatshirts and wood items.  When Cyndi and Cathy roller skated at their church Sherman Park Lutheran Shirley designed and sewed costumes. She herself skated too taking adult lessons. Shirley loved being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren doing lots of babysitting and spoiling. After retiring at 72 she started a craft club as well as working at the desk of her senior apartment.  She had many friends at her church Berea Lutheran and was active in AAL and Caring Outreach.  Shirley had amazing faith, energy, compassion, talent, strength and determination.  As we look back on her life we are in awe of everything she has done and everyone she has touched.  Our hearts are broken and the hole in our lives will never be filled.  We are praying for the strength God had given to her.

 Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, we will love and cherish you and

your memory until we are reunited again with you and Jesus  forever.

Visitation on Monday, May 20th at Peace Lutheran Church, W240 N6145 Maple Avenue, Sussex, Wisconsin 53089, at 10:00 AM. Funeral Service at 11:30 AM.

Burial at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.