Shirley M. Larsen

Shirley M (DeWitt) Larsen, 87, of Denmark, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 26th, 2019. She was born on July 16, 1932 to Dorothy and William DeWitt.
Shirley graduated from Green Bay West High School in 1950. She married Glen L. Larsen on August 1, 1953 and they celebrated 66 years together in August. Together, they raised 5 boys – knowing the “girls” would come later! She worked at the telephone company, Kriwanek’s Grocery in Denmark, and supported her husband’s endeavor into the redi-mix concrete business with the ownership of Green & Gold Concrete.
Shirley’s passion was her family. She enjoyed attending as many events as she could to support Glen, her boys, their wives, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Through the years this included horse pulling, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, bowling, dance recitals, and other school and church events. This was most evident by her support of Glen’s hobby, horse pulling. She was often on the sidelines ‘marking’ book. If she wasn’t at a pull, she was home doing ‘chores’ and taking care of things at Windy Acres. Her days were frequently filled with helping out with the grandkids.
Christmas was always a beloved time for her. She enjoyed the annual shopping trip and wrapping each gift. She insisted on getting everyone a gift to open and found great joy in watching the kids open their presents. They always wondered how Grandma could stuff that much in one small box!
Gardening was another favorite pastime of hers and the family enjoyed eating the end product which included canned tomatoes, pickles, frozen sweet corn and salsa. She spent many hours in the kitchen baking her famous chocolate chip cookies, making a variety of jams and cooking the “hay baling” meals – always with her fruit salad, snacks and cookies.
Shirley was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church where she enjoyed quilt making with the ladies and teaching Sunday and Bible School for many years. She also bowled in league at Suster’s Arcade.
She was proceeded in death by her husband Glen on August 1, 2019, parents, Dorothy (Ole) Larson and William DeWitt, her paternal grandmother “Grandma DeWitt”, her father-in-law and mother in law- Russell and Edna Larsen, brother Ray DeWitt, sister Nancy McGuire and brother-in-laws, Bill McGuire and Jim Palmer, and nephew Chris Olsen.
Shirley is survived by her sons Paul (Ann), Mark (Julie), Mike (Barb), Todd (Dawn), and Dean (Jennifer). Grandchildren Marissa Larsen (special friend Steve Stefferud), Tanya (Vinnie) Pedretti, Travis, Brooke and Zach Larsen. Ashley (Jared) Post, Derek Larsen, Brynn and McKenna Larsen (special friend Hunter Borchert), Michael Copen, Maddox, Walter and Lexianna Larsen and great-grandchildren Daisy and Ray Post.
She is further survived by her stepsister Wendy (Jim) Zimmerman; her stepbrother Lawrence (Debora) Larson; her extended family, Doug and Sue Piontek, Louise and Dick DeBoth, Ed and Lisa Piontek; sister-in-laws Ellen Palmer, Betty (Jim) Olsen and brother-in-law Peter Larsen and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may visit at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 435 Wisconsin Ave, Denmark on Saturday, October 5th from 12:00PM until 1:45PM with a service directly following with Rev. Andrew D. Zoerb officiating. Cotter Funeral Home of Denmark is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials can be directed to Our Saviors Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.
Mom, Grandma:
“I’m fine!” is what you always told us – you always put others first, you were our biggest fan, our babysitter, cook, baker and most of all, our friend. We know that dad was there to welcome you home with open arms. We are sure you are already baking your famous chocolate chip cookies and putting out snacks. Now we truly know you are “fine.”