Shirley Ann Swiecichowski

(nee Kleinhans) of Jackson, WI, passed away on October 18, 2024, at Lawlis Hospice in Mequon following a sudden, undiagnosed illness. She was 89 years old.

Shirley was born August 31, 1935, in Milwaukee, WI, to Zeno and Emma (Lang) Kleinhans. She graduated from Messmer High School in 1953. On March 16, 1957, she was united in marriage to Cyril (Cy) Eugene Swiecichowski. Soon thereafter, she traveled to Langendiebach, Germany, to join her husband, who was stationed in the U.S. Army until she was summoned back to Wisconsin six months later to care for her mother.

When Cy returned to Wisconsin, they started their family in Milwaukee. Lyn was welcomed in 1961, followed by Mark in 1962, and Tod was born in 1963. The family moved to the Town of Jackson in 1972 where they purchased a home and 19 acres.

Shirley enjoyed her role as a stay-at-home mom. Later, she was employed as a medical transcriptionist for 21 years at Medical Associates in Menomonee Falls. She was a charter member and former secretary of the Jackson Historical Society.

Gardening, genealogy, photography, working daily crossword puzzles, playing all sorts of games, especially Aggravation and dominos with her grandchildren and Scrabble with her sister Joanne, going on outings with her Red Hat Society, and marveling at the beauty of God's creation were enjoyments of Shirley's. Even in her 80s, pickleball and table tennis were favorite pastimes. She also participated in various sports with the Wisconsin Senior Olympics. Planting trees became an addiction. Over the years, hundreds of trees were planted on their land. Seedlings were often gifted to friends to commemorate special occasions.

Family-oriented, nature-loving, frugal, faithful, grateful, determined, resilient. All these words describe Shirley.

Shirley loved her family. For 67 years, she was a devoted wife to Cy. Her children: Lyn (Brian) Jonas, Mark (Leigh) and Tod (Mollie) Swiecichowski received the ultimate blessing being able to call her "mom". She held a deep, unconditional love for her nine grandchildren and their partners who adored her: Michael (Sarah), David (Rachel), Kaylin (Adam), Melissa (Trent), John (Alanna), Steven (Kylie), Seth (Hannah), Zachary (Trynne), and Clay. Great grandchildren: Sofia, Sebastian, Theodore, and Lucey.

Additional survivors include her twin sisters Joanne (Jim) Ksicinski and Jean Zancanaro, and other relatives and loving friends. Her brothers, Lyle and Ken Kleinhans, preceded her in death.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Schramka Funeral Home (13220 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield) with visitation from 11 AM to 1 PM, service at 1:30 with a reception to follow the service.