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Handschke, Shirley

Shirley Handschke (nee Moritz) ascended to eternal life on June 17, 2015 at the Bland Bekkedal Center for Hospice Care in Viroqua, Wisconsin where she had been a resident since May 26, 2015.

She was born in Milwaukee, August 23, 1932 to Walter and Martha (Friedich) Moritz. She graduated from Lutheran High School in Milwaukee and was united in marriage to Harland Handschke in April of 1951. They were blessed with three children, five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Shirley worked for Steinhafel’s Furniture Store as a buyer for nearly 25 years. Harold died in 1985. She lived in Wauwatosa and in retirement she enjoyed living at Gilbert Lake, Stevens Point and the last seven years in Viroqua. In retirement she enjoyed international travel with a very special group of friends from the Waupaca area. She will be remembered for her profound faith in Jesus Christ, quick wit, love for family and friends, good food and a martini.

Special thanks to the Bethel Birchwood Community, which she enjoyed for the past seven years in Viroqua. Also to Tom Franke – PA and Kari Amrhein – RN at Hirsch Clinic for their compassionate medical care.

Shirley is survived by her children: Gary Handschke (Nancy) of Westerville, OH; Laura Schiefelbein (Bruce) of Green Bay and Gail Anich (John) of Viroqua; her grandchildren, Heidi Schiefelbein and (John Ewald), Erica Van Dop (Josh), Becca Ieronimo (Will), Jacob Handschke (Jocelyn), Nick Schiefelbein (Kathryn), and 10 great-grandchildren: Caleb Van Dop, Aaron Van Dop, Evelyn Deptula, Taylor Van Dop, Brielle Ewald, James Schiefelbein, Asher Handschke, Courtney Ieronimo, Ciara Ewald, and Jazlin Ewald. She was also preceded in death by her parents.

Services were held at the Harder Funeral Home, 18700 West Capital Drive, Brookfield, WI on Saturday, June 20, 2015 with Pastor Dan Cvatlewski officiating. Interment at Union Cemetery in Colgate, WI. Serving as casket bearers were: Josh Van Dop, Jacob Handschke, Nicholas Schiefelbein, Bruce Schiefelbein, John Anich, and Gary Handschke. The Thorson Funeral Home of Viroqua and Harder Funeral Home served the family. Online condolences may be sent to [email protected]

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