February 8, 2020 – Jackson, WI –Shirley A. Kissinger (nee Thornsberry), 84, of Jackson, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2020 at Advocate Aurora Hospital in Grafton.
Born November 3, 1935 to William and Elsie (Filter) Thornsberry on the family homestead in Bayside, Wisconsin, Shirley grew up around Milwaukee and graduated from Homestead High School. Shirley worked as a waitress while still in school and after graduation went to work for the American Bowling Congress in Shorewood. Later she became treasurer for the Village of Fox Point. She was united in marriage to Marvin W Kissinger in 1960.
Shirley was a homemaker and bookkeeper for their farm where they raised their 2 children Lee (Caren) Kissinger and Kay (Nick) Laatsch. Home was the place she loved to be which she was very proud of. She was an excellent cook and liked to bake. She always made great chocolate chip cookies that were enjoyed by many. She loved to sew and was a 4H leader from 1970-1980 teaching and helping many area girls learn to sew. She sold assorted fabric for sewing for many years until she moved on to other jobs. She worked at an area law firm preparing taxes for over 40 years and also served as the treasurer for the town of Polk for 29 years. She was always active while she was able until a few years ago. Shirley is one of the last few members of the Polk Dairymaids Homemakers group. Shirley always loved seeing and spending time with her grand-children and later her great grand-children while looking forward to a few more in the future.
Shirley is survived by her children Lee (Caren) Kissinger and Kay (Nick) Laatsch, grandchildren Daniel (Megan) Kissinger, Kevin (Angie) Kissinger Karissa (Paul) Gutschenritter, Dustin (Melissa) Laatsch, Lanae Laatsch (fiancée Quentin Poupore), and great-grandchildren Owen and Cheyenne Kissinger. Shirley is further survived by sister’s Audrey Richter and Judy (Ron) Felsing and other nieces, nephews, family and friends!
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Marvin, parents William and Elsie (Filter) Thornsberry, In-laws Harry and Anita (Gronemeyer) Kissinger and brother in law Don Richter
Special thanks to the staff at Advocate Aurora Health for their loving care and attention for Shirley.
Visitation will be held on February 13, 2020 from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. with a Memorial Service to be held at 6:30 p.m. at Living Word Lutheran Church, 2240 Living Word Lane Jackson, WI 53037.
Memorials in lieu of flowers to Living Word Lutheran Church are appreciated.
