Shirley Ann Heinzeroth

Stoughton - Shirley A. Heinzeroth, age 90, of Stoughton, passed away on September 5, 2025, surrounded in the love of her family, due to complications arising from a fall.

Shirley was born to Frank and Laura (Harrison) Baker on January 7th, 1935, the sixth of seven sisters.

Her parents passed away when she was just two years old. Together with three of her siblings, Shirley was raised by her eldest sister, Harriet and her husband Ervin Nelson, along with their family.

Shirley enjoyed listening and dancing to her favorite music. It was at the Edward’s Park dance hall in McFarland that she met the love of her life, Robert M. Heinzeroth. The lovebirds were married on Valentine’s Day, 1953.

Together, they raised two sons, Michael and Robert, and a daughter, Terri.

Camping and fishing with her family and friends was a cherished activity. In 1986, Shirley flew to Alaska with her husband Bob and their granddaughter Kim, to visit Mike and his family, fish and enjoy the scenery.

Years later, after Bob’s death in 1989, Shirley returned to Alaska via the Alcan Highway with a dear friend. She was proud to have pulled in two halibut, one after the other, both weighing over 100 pounds each.

Shirley reminisced about the numerous, sometimes mischievous, fishing trips to the local lakes, where she and Bobby rarely failed to catch their limits.

Up until the time she no longer had the use of her hands, Shirley had an exceptional talent for the art of crochet, and lovingly made numerous beautiful Afghans, baby blankets and more, which she generously gifted to family and friends.

For many years, Shirley made her home in New Port Richey, FL to enjoy the warmer climate and to be near her daughter and best friend, Terri. No stray cat ever went hungry.

She later moved to Friendship, WI before returning to Stoughton, where she lived her final years at Greenspire.

Shirley loved all animals and wildlife. Cats, dogs and even squirrels felt safe around her. They somehow seemed to know that she was generous with the attention and treats. She was even known to make tiny peanut butter sandwiches for “her” squirrels.

Most of all, Shirley treasured the moments spent with her family and friends, and she has left us all with many cherished memories.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, sisters Harriet (Ervin) Nelson, Alice (Donald) Reik, Lori Baker, Lorna (Bill) Travis, Nancy (Lyle) Brown, and Beverly (John) Eith, granddaughter, Jennifer Leikness, grandson, Justin Heinzeroth, and numerous other loved ones.

She is survived by sons Mike (Sally) and Bobby (Lynelle), daughter Terri, grandchildren, Kimberly, James, Nicole and Joshua, seven great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, dear friend, Bob Peach and her beloved cat, Baby.

In accordance with Shirley’s wishes, there will be no services. A private family burial will take place at Grave’s cemetery in Brooklyn.

Heartfelt thanks and eternal gratitude to our sister, Terri, for the loving companionship and care she gave our mother all these years.

The family would also like to thank Diane and Laura, Hospice and the staff at Skaalen for their compassionate care.

If you are so inclined, cards and memorials may be sent to:

The Family of Shirley Heinzeroth

PO Box 1274

Rhinelander, WI 54501

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

206 W. Prospect, P.O. Box 231, Stoughton

(608) 873-9244

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com