Obituary: Shirley A. (Wells) Gleichauf - Class of 1955

MONONA - Shirley A. Gleichauf, age 68, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, after a courageous three and a half years battle with cancer. She was born on May 27, 1937, in Highland, to Lyborn and Greta Wells. Shirley graduated from Madison Central High School in 1955. She married Francis Gleichauf on Oct. 17, 1958. Shirley worked for the University of Wisconsin Extension for 35 years. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and St. Ann's Society. Shirley was a very special lady with many talents, sewing, quilting, and crafts. She loved her garden and flowers. Shirley was always positive and concentrated on helping others. She never complained. Shirley enjoyed the senior fun and fitness classes at Monona and McFarland. The true joy of her life was her children and grandchildren. Shirley was blessed with many loving and supportive friends and neighbors, too numerous to mention by name. She is survived by her children, Denise (Tim) Jackson of Sun Prairie, David of Monona, Debra (Bruce) Way of Stoughton, and Dan of Janesville; grandchildren, Anna and Jason Gleichauf, Rachel Jackson, and Brody and Brooke Way; a sister, Jackie Cairns of Monona; brother, Alan (Loral) Wells of Madison; many loving nieces and nephews; and a very dear friend, "adopted sister," Bonnie Sundal. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Fran; her parents; infant brother; and a sister, Donna. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2006, with Father John Meinholz presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6, 2006, and at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. The family wishes to thank the loving and caring staff at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center. Shirley did it her way. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 5, 2006