Shirley Chafer

1941 - 2025

Shirley Chafer

July 9, 1941 - October 7, 2025

Shirley A. Chafer, age 84, of Rib Lake, WI, and Lombard, IL, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at her home under the care of her family and Hope Hospice & Palliative Care. Shirley was born in Park Falls, WI, on July 9, 1941, to the late Bruno and Vera (Miller) Hilgart. She was married to Joseph Chafer on November 14, 1959.

Shirley was a 1959 graduate of Park Falls High School and was married to her high school sweetheart in Illinois the same year. She was employed as a secretary for Automatic Electric where she worked until the birth of their son in 1965. A dedicated homemaker, Shirley took some time off to lovingly raise her son. When he began school, she returned to work at Continental Insurance; retiring in 2004. Shirley loved crafts of all kinds and was a talented crocheter, knitter and seamstress, producing beautiful items and giving them to her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband of over 65 years, Joseph Chafer, Sr.; her son, Joseph (Michelle) Chafer, Jr.; her grandchildren, Anthony, Nicole, Amber, Brandon, Cameron, Keith, Daniel, Conor, and Kristen; her great-grandchildren, Caleb and Hailey; her sister, Vicky (Ray) Cowan; her brother-in-law, Leroy Stewart; and her sister-in-law, Kathleen Hilgart. Shirley is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bruno and Vera; and her siblings, Janet Stewart, Bruno Hilgart, and Frank (Evelyn) Hilgart.

Memorial services for Shirley Chafer will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fifield, WI, at 11:00 AM. Fr. Shaji Pazhukkathara will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of services at 11:00 AM. Inurnment will follow at the Forest Home Cemetery in Fifield, WI. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family. You may view Shirley's obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com.