Shirley May Larisch, nee Holstrom, of West Bend, Wisconsin, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at the age of 82, at Cedar Community, West Bend.
Shirley was the devoted and beloved wife of the late Alfred Larisch, and was also preceded in death by her parents, Olaf and Hazel Holstrom, and step-brother, Tom Colvin. She is further survived by other relatives and friends.
Shirley was a graduate of Shorewood High School. She was a long time employee of the Marine Bank and then Bank One. Not being one to let grass grow under her feet, after retirement she became active in the Quarter Century Club. She and Fred lived in Cedarburg then, but felt a call to move to West Bend to the Cedar Community. There, Shirley became active in the Stephen Ministry, as a Stephen leader, and as a Cedar Chaplain.
Shirley was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and an active member in her church community; whether it was taking part in Bible studies, keeping books for the Youth Club, or handing out bulletins at church services. If there was an area she could help, she was there. Shirley was involved, as well, in assisting with the Thrivent fish fries whether it was selling tickets or filling out and distributing name tags. Her smiles and greetings did much in helping to make the event a success.
Shirley's involvement in the Stephen Ministry allowed her the opportunity to visit and touch the hearts of many. She was also involved in the Hospice program, where she provided listening ears and kind words to aid in the comfort of those she came in contact with. She was instrumental in the Prayer Shawl program, seeing that yarn was provided to volunteer knitters/crocheters and saw to the distribution of these shawls to the residents. She was diligent and thoughtful to the point of selecting the color of the shawl to fit the resident, whether they were male or female. Her love for the program could be felt in the handling of these beautiful warmers.
Shirley had an immense love and interest in her heritage, being of Swedish descent. She was able to travel to Sweden and meet her father's family and grow closer in becoming a part of that extension of the family. She was warmly welcomed into their arms and they shared all they could of her family's heritage.
Shirley's love for travel also took her to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. She fell in love with the area and was hopeful in being able to return to explore it again.
Words cannot express how many lives this wonderful lady touched and the impact she had on them. Her constant smile and the ever-present farewell of the finger shake and the words "behave" will always be remembered; along with "love you much."
Shirley, you will be sorely missed and always loved. Our last words can only be "behave, and we love you much."
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 14 at 10:30 a.m. in the Cedar Theater at Cedar Community, 5595 Cty. Rd. Z, West Bend. A private committal service will be held at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Brookfield, WI.