Shirley “Ms Shirley” H Kuehl
Shirley Helen Kuehl, 87, of Tomah, passed away peacefully Friday, October 4, 2019 at Close to Home in the presence of family.
She was born March 30, 1932 to Morton and Ida (Wallace) Wadephul in Wilton, Wisconsin. She grew up on the family farm and was especially fond of horses. She attended Tomah High School and later graduated from Western Wisconsin Technical College, of which she was so proud. In April 1950 she married Milfred Kuehl. They raised their seven children on the family dairy farm south of Tomah. In the past she worked as a waitress at the Tomah Interstate Restaurant and then worked for Wal-Mart for many years as a door greeter and within the gardening department. She loved the customers as they came into the store where she greeted them with her bright smile as she wore flowers in her hair and multiple rings on her fingers. Many called her the “Sunshine Lady” and she would giggle as she talked of the customers that would want a picture with her. Shirley was well-known for her kindness and for the way she connected with others. She preferred to be addressed as Ms. Shirley as well. If anyone needed assistance with plants, she was there with the best advice. As a member of the Tomah Garden Club, she especially loved flowers and cacti with which she filled her gardens. She enjoyed spending time with her family and was proud of her Genealogy work and collection of family photos. She loved animals; especially horses, dogs, cats (calicos were her favorite), and cockatiels.
She is survived by her 7 children, Marshall (Lynn) Kuehl, Angelia Scholze, Vaughn (Sherry) Kuehl, Valerie (Jim) Holmes, Gaylen (Kelly) Kuehl, Brendan Kuehl, and Sherylnn (Jeff) Fowler; 17 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Surviving brothers and sisters include Joyce Harris, Judy Abendroth, Donna Vian, Diane (Roy) Kirk, Frank (Doreen) Wadephul, and Richard (Valerie) Wadephul, one brother-in-law, Dale Roscovius, her aunt, Irene Smith and numerous nieces, nephews, and Cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Morton and Ida (Wallace) Wadephul, ex-husband Milfred Kuehl, sister Dawn Roscovius, 3 brothers-in-law Harold Vian, Wayne Harris, and John Abendroth.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2019, 12:00 Noon at Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah. Pastor Robert Streeter will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Tuesday at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until the time of the services. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
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