Shirley M. Riha, age 96 formerly of Kiel, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4th, 2026.  Shirley was born on November 25, 1929 in Newton, daughter of the late Arthur Wagner and Esther (Stoltenberg) Wagner. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Manitowoc with the class of 1947.  Shirley attended the Oshkosh State Teachers College, graduating with a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education in 1951.  On June 14, 1952 she was united in marriage to Merlin Riha in Manitowoc.   He preceded her in death on December 16, 1996.  Shirley taught for the Kiel Public School System for 17 years, and then later served as a substitute teacher for eleven years after retiring in 1980. Shirley was a member of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, the Christian Mothers Association and Kiel Women's Club for many years.  She enjoyed volunteering at the Salvatorian Center in New Holstein, playing cards, crossword puzzles, going out to eat, traveling, and treasured the many summers the family spent at their cottage in Sturgeon Bay.

She is survived by her three sons and daughters-in-law:  Gene (Kathy) Riha of Beaver Dam, Glenn (Cindy) Riha of Brillion and Gary (Laurie) Riha of Green Bay, Wisconsin.  She is further survived by her grandchildren Tom (Maureen) Riha, Todd Riha, and Tamara Venzke (Brandon), Shannon (Joe) Riha - Mondloch, and Saundra Riha; step-grandchildren Tisha (Dave) Indermuehle, Sarah Longseth, and Krista (Jason) Roberts; and 6 great grandchildren: Owen, Carolyn, Aryssa, Annalynn, Ryker and Hank; and three step great grandchildren Justin, Jayden, Kendrik, numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her infant son, husband, parents, mother-in-law Blanche (Hostak) Riha, two sisters and brothers-in law Carol (Tony) Kostka and Betty (Mike) O'Conner, brother and sister-in-law Arthur (Jane) Wagner, an infant brother, and sisters and brothers-in-law. (Viola and John Marek, Gladys and Louis Young, Elaine and Marlyn Kroeger and Eldon and Alice Riha.)

The family will greet relatives and friends at Meiselwitz-Vollestedt-DeTroye Funeral Home (815 6th Street Kiel, WI) on Saturday, May 9, 2026, beginning at 10:00 AM until time of service at 11:30 AM. Deacon Dennis Bennin will be officiating

Private entombment to be held at Knollwood Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, in the Town of Kossuth to follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church - Kiel, or Holy Rosary and St. Ann Catholic Churches in New Holstein (St. Anna)

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Lakehouse - New Holstein for all the care and compassion shown to Shirley during the past 6 years.

Please visit www.meiselwitzfh.com to send online condolences.