Shirley Ann Handrich, age 94 of Berlin, passed away on January 23, 2019 at ThedaCare Hospital in Berlin. She was born June 28, 1924 in New London, Wisconsin to Esther (Gruetzmacher) and Fred Radtke. Shirley was baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church of New London and graduated from New London High School in 1942.
After graduation, Shirley accepted employment as a Secretary at The Aid Association for Lutherans Insurance Company in Appleton, Wisconsin, where she worked and lived for 5 years. In 1946, Shirley was on a weekend visit to see a girlfriend in Poy Sippi and was invited by a “good looking guy” to go to a bowling tournament. She jumped in the front seat right next to Wilfred “Bill” Handrich and that was just the beginning.
Shirley and Bill dated for over a year and were then joined in holy marriage on August 23, 1947 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New London. After marriage, they made their home in Berlin, Wisconsin, where they enjoyed 71 beautiful years of marriage together, until the day she went to be with her Lord and Savior. Shirley and Bill started the Handrich Insurance Agency in 1951 in Berlin, and they worked side by side for over 28 years, until Bill retired in 1978.
She then continued in the insurance business, becoming a licensed agent herself. Over the years, Shirley also served as the cafeteria cook at St. Johns. She also worked at Sager Glove Company, walked a Billboard paper route for many years, and was a playground aid at Clay Lamberton School, where she finally retired after 25 years of service at the age of 88!
Shirley was introduced to sports by Bill and quickly became an avid fan and supporter. She was the best “Manager’s Wife” during the 30 years that Handrich Insurance sponsored Men’s and Women’s Softball teams in Berlin. You could always find Shirley in the stands, rooting for her team (and maybe sometimes, giving the umpires “the business”.
) She and Bill spent many years on the St. Johns Couples Bowling League, they also were founding members of St. Johns Sunday Evening Club (a social club for couples). She also sang soprano in St. Johns Church Choir. She supported her four children in all of their sports, band and social activities.
She and Bill enjoyed entertaining in their home, hosting many parties over the years. Shirley loved to dance the jitterbug and particularly enjoyed the sounds of Big Band music. She and Bill were big supporters of their son Gary’s Band “The Poor Boys” and later “Boomba Boppers” where Steve was the best drummer around for many years.
Shirley loved to travel – including many trips to Alaska to visit her two sons, Mark and Gary, to Michigan to visit Jodi and her family, as well as Steve in upper Michigan. She and Bill took many vacations, including a Cruise to the Carribbean, a trip to Germany with her sister, Spring Training in Arizona, adventures through the State Parks in the Western States and many, many “club” trips with New York Life Insurance to Mackinac Island, Missouri and other states. Shirley especially loved attending the annual Gruetzmacher Reunions where she got a chance to see her many cousins, aunts, uncles and their families.
Shirley was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and Wisconsin Badgers, attending many games throughout the years. Shirley and Bill are still season ticket holders of the Packers and never missed a game in 35 years! They were especially proud that their daughter, Jodi, was a Packer Sideliner.
Their Packer Tailgates were the best around – and many friends and families enjoyed those delicious Old Fashioneds! She was a wonderful mother, a kind and gentle soul, always attending every event, game, concert, recital or special event involving her four children and grandchildren. Shirley enjoyed seeing her extended family and cousins, rarely ever missing a party, graduation, wedding, or celebration opportunity.
Shirley was a fighter of life. She stood for what she believed in, full of grace and faith, tenacious, strong, and honest. She always gave people strength and encouragement in life.
Shirley is most aptly described as a dedicated servant to family, friends and beyond, who was committed to making others better and feeling good about themselves when she interacted with them. She was a sharp dresser and a classy woman that could do it all. Shirley is survived by her husband, Wilfred (Bill) Handrich of Berlin, her sons Gary Handrich of Homer, AK, and Steven (Gail) Handrich of Oshkosh; one daughter, Jodi (Steve) Berry of Westland, MI, grandsons Tracy Handrich and Blake Berry; granddaughters Jennifer (Corey) Klettke and their children Jessica and Isabella, Stephanie Handrich and Jordan Berry.
She is further survived by many dear friends and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Esther (Gruetzmacher) Radtke, sister Lois Sterna, son Mark F. “Flash” Handrich, daughter-in-law Pamela Handrich, and other aunts, uncles and cousins. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Shirley Handrich please visit our Sympathy Store.
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