Shirley A. Wenzel, age 83, of Brillion, formerly of Reedsville, passed away with her family by her side, on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at St Vincent Hospital as a result of a fall a couple of weeks ago which occurred when she was on the go and doing the things she enjoyed.Shirley was born on September 16, 1933 in Manitowoc, daughter of the late Louis and Leona (Anhalt) Heinzen. She was a graduate of Kiel High School, class of 1951 and went on to further her education at the Manitowoc Normal School, graduating in 1953 and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, graduating in 1959. On October 25, 1958, she married Robert L. Wenzel at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in St. Nazianz. He preceded her in death on July 12, 2012. Shirley was an educator for 41 ½ years. She was proud of the one room school houses she taught in out in Osman and in Collins, as well as the classrooms at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School in Manitowoc, Valders Elementary, and for the last 30 years before retirement, at Reedsville Elementary. Former students may also remember Shirley making appearances as the book character, Viola Swamp. After retirement Shirley continued to share her gift for teaching. She volunteered in 1st and 2nd grade at Holy Family Catholic School where she was known as the "Book Lady." Shirley cared for everyone. Not only did she share her time through volunteer work, she shared her talents by helping out at funeral dinners, preparing goody baskets for neighbors and friends and crocheting mittens for those in need. She supported many causes that benefited children, volunteered for teaching Faith Formation classes and drove friends around even though she wasn't the biggest fan of driving herself. She was a member of the Wisconsin Education Association, National Education Association, Holy Family Parish, and Christian Mother's of Ladies Sodality. Shirley loved her family, and some of her best memories are watching her grandchildrens' events and spending time at the "Garottage" on Long Lake.Shirley is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law: Tim and Vicky (Wallander) Wenzel of New London and Thomas and Linda (Zipperer) Wenzel of Reedsville; six grandchildren and their families: Andrea (Travis) Rettmann and their children: Trevin, Reece, and Jovie of Neenah, Aubree Wenzel and her son: Parker of Appleton, Haley (Josh) Oehlke of Larsen, Brittany Wenzel and special friend Phil of Minneapolis, MN, Brock and Bryce Wenzel of Reedsville; two sisters and brothers-in-law: Gen (Jim) Olson of Green Bay and Corrine (Eugene) Revolinsky of Elyria, OH; one brother-in-law: Harold (Dorothy) Wenzel; nieces, Mary and Patty, nephews, Tom, Paul and Dan, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Wenzel, her parents, her father-in-law and mother-in-law: Leslie and Lillian (Stefl) Wenzel, and a nephew, Mike Wenzel. Funeral Mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Brillion. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Timothy Brandt, with entombment at Knollwood Mausoleum, town of Kossuth.Friends may call on Monday evening, October 17, at Holy Family Catholic Church from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will conclude the evening. The visitation will continue at church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.Online condolences may be made.The family would like to thank everyone that kept Mom going…from the children in the schools, to her friends around town and beyond, to the medical personnel that cared for Mom. It really meant so much to us.