Shirley May Rae

Shirley M. Rae, age 84, passed away on February 11, 2026, at Edenbrook of Appleton. She was born on May 9, 1941, in Neenah, the daughter of Alvin and Estelle (Podolski) Stratton. Shirley was united in marriage to James Rae on August 22, 1964, and he preceded her in death in 2005. She enjoyed coloring books, watercolor painting, completing puzzles, and bird and people watching. In her younger years, she was an avid bowler and member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Shirley treasured her time with family most, especially her time spent babysitting her grandchildren. Many special memories were made with all the grandchildren on New Year’s Eve over the years.

Shirley is survived by her two children: John (Tammy) Rae and Cindy (Brandon) Kolbe; five grandchildren: Morgan (Troy) Othrow, Casie (Joe) Ruffing, Alicia (Stephen) Miller, Brianna (Ryan) Tahtinen, and Breccan (fiancé Acoya Hernandez) Kolbe; six great grandchildren: Amelia, Logan, Dante, Evelyn, Harvey, and Rowan; a brother: David Stratton; other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Shirley was further preceded in death by her brother: Donald (Marilyn) Stratton, and a sister-in-law: Carol Stratton.

A memorial service will be held at 4:30PM, on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Laemmrich Chapel, 312 Milwaukee St., Menasha. Visitation will be on Friday at the chapel from 3:00PM until the time of the service. Memorial contributions are appreciated to the American Cancer Society.

Shirley’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Edenbrook and Bristol Hospice for their care, compassion, and kindness.