Shirley L. Kretsch, 98, of Kiel, died Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at Willowdale Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, New Holstein.
She was the former Shirley Gerroll, born on February 19, 1917, daughter of the late Herbert & Aleta (Auburg) Gerroll.
Shirley was a 1934 graduate of Valders High School and was proud to be the last remaining member of her class.
On September 5, 1938 she married Roy J. Kretsch at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Kiel. Roy preceded her in death on September 4, 1998.
Shirley was a very active member of SS Peter & Paul Church and the Kiel Red Hatters. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, socializing with her friends, sewing, baking and reading.
Survivors include her three children; Richard (Jonell) Kretsch, Sussex, Karen Habermann, Kiel, Kristine (Scott) Stonehouse, Tijeras, NM, seven grandchildren; Kimber (Jeff) Bartosiak, Megan (Bruce Rudolph) Kretsch, Amy (Jason) Reiss, Michael (Julia Eppers) Habermann, Nathan Stonehouse, Adam (Sylvia McClellan) Stonehouse & Ryan Stonehouse and six great grandchildren; Jacob & Jordan Bartosiak, Caleb & Jacquelyn Reiss and Olivia & Elizabeth Habermann. She is further survived by two sisters; Betty (Leo) Holschbach, Phyllis Leschig, sister-in-law, June Gerroll, nieces, nephews and other friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three brothers; Fritz Gerroll. Lawrence (Louann) Gerroll and Robert Gerroll, two sisters; Virginia (Robert) Barbeau and Janice (Ralph) Engelhardt, brother-in-law, Walter Leschig and sister-in-law, Leah (Herbert) Jablonski.
Mass of Christian Burial for Shirley will be celebrated at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church (413 Fremont St., Kiel) with Fr. Patrick Nelson S.D.S. officiating and Deacon Pat Knier assisting, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
Family and friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 12:00 (noon) until the time of service at 2:00 pm.
Shirley's family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Hetzner and his staff, as well as the staff at Calumet Medical Center and Willowdale Nursing home for the care and compassion shown to her.