Racine – Shirley Mae (nee: Muske) Parker, age 81; beloved wife of the late Leslie “Les” Parker; passed away at Hospice Alliance – Racine Hospice House on Friday, March 6, 2015.
Shirley was born to Harvey and Irene (nee: Imm) Muske on July 20, 1933 in Westfield, Wisconsin. She was baptized in her Christian faith on August 13, 1933 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake, Wisconsin and confirmed on May 26, 1946 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dakota, Wisconsin. Shirley attended local schools and graduated from Westfield High School in 1950.
Shirley married Leslie A. Parker on June 19, 1954 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dakota, WI. The union was blessed with two children, Sheri and Steven. Shirley retired from the State of Wisconsin / Department of Health and Social Services in 1991.
Shirley and Les enjoyed traveling – visited 49 of the 50 states, 8 European countries, and 9 Canadian provinces & territories. They also delivered sermon tapes to shut-in church members in Sun Prairie and “Meals-on-Wheels” in Janesville.
Shirley was a proud member of Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church – Union Grove; life member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary; life member of the Kienow-Hilt VFW Post 1621 Auxiliary in Janesville; and charter member of the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Shirley is survived by her son, Steven Parker of Roscoe, IL; daughter, Sheri Ellis of Harrisville, W.V.; grandchildren, Kelly and Becky; great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Natalie; nephews, Paul (Diane) Parker of Westfield; Phillip (Belinda) Parker of Pardeeville; Peter (Mary) Parker of Beaver Dam; Pam (Bob) Brassfield of Johnson Creek; sister-in-law, Dona Muske of Sun Prairie; friends, Fred & Connie Westrich of Franksville; and many other relatives and dear friends.
In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband, Les (died November 17, 2013); brother, Jerry Muske; and infant brother, David Muske.
Funeral services will be held at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (2908 S. Colony Avenue in Union Grove) on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at 11:30 am with Pastor David Rockhoff officiating. A reception will follow. Visitation will be in the church on Wednesday 10:00 – 11:30 am. Shirley will be laid to rest at Eastlawn Cemetery (2200 Milwaukee Rd. in Beloit) on Wednesday afternoon. Memorials are suggested to the Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church – Union Grove “Gift / Trust Fund”.
Special note of thanks to Dr. Michael Mullane & staff; Hospice Alliance – Racine Hospice House; and to the entire staff & friends at Home Harbor for being there for Shirley in her time of need. May God bless all of you!
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