Obituary for Shirley M. Brisgal
Shirley Mae Brisgal (nee Schmidt) passed away peacefully on June 28, 2023, at the Gables of Germantown, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Melvin and Grace on August 27, 1928, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Shirley met Tom Brisgal at a young age, and although he entered the U.S Coast Guard during WWII, they continued to keep in touch. When Tom returned from the service, he married Shirley on November 8, 1946. They started their family in Milwaukee and moved to Racine to raise four daughters. Shirley worked at Milwaukee Electric Tool as a receptionist for many years. Everyone loved her cheerful voice and happy disposition. Tom and Shirley had a passion for golf and in 1988 moved to Florida and lived in a golf community for seven years, making many friends and enjoying many visits from family. In 1995 they moved back to Wisconsin to be near family.
Shirley loved clothes, shoes and jewelry. She was always perfectly put together. She loved entertaining and cooking and was very social. She and Tom enjoyed getting together with their "Cousins Club" and the "High School Group". Shirley was a petite little lady, but she lit up a room with her presence. She had an endearing way about her, cared deeply about others, and was very kind-hearted. Everyone who met her loved her. We joked that she had a "fan club" and it went without saying that everyone absolutely loved being in her space. She loved reading, taking walks, boating, the beach, the water, and palm trees. Above all else, she loved her family, and we adored her. Her happiest times were spent with "her girls" and their families.
Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was known by many names: Grandma, Nana, Nana Shirley, Nana Whirley, and Shirl Girl (which was her license plate). Her love was always present, unconditional, selfless, and non-judgmental. She will be missed for her sweet voice on the phone, her smile, her hugs, her "love you", her constant interest in all our lives, and "call me when you get home". She was a mother who never stopped thinking or worrying about her family. Shirley enjoyed a glass of wine before dinner and would toast the day with "Thank you for today, look forward to a good day tomorrow".
Shirley is survived by her children Sandra (Dean) Gunderson, Kathleen (Kevin) Fisher, Barbie Marone, and her son-in-law Kai Evensen. Further survived by her grandchildren Jeffrey (Amy) Gunderson, Jennifer (Mark) Miller, Alison (James) Mangerson, Kelsey (Tom) Jaeger, Danya Dallapiazza (Mike), Joey (Trina) Marone, Anthony (Natasha) Marone, Erik (Jaclyn) Evensen and Leif Evensen (David Bretz). Great grandchildren Evan, Nathan, Haley, Tyson, Jake, Lucille, Felicity, Evelyn, Meryl, Hayden, Enzo, Faith, Gianna, JoJo, Giovanni, Alexandra, Henrik, and Lukas.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Melvin, her husband Tom, and her daughter Tamara.
The family wishes to thank the devoted staff at The Gables of Germantown, Allay Hospice, and Melissa, her loving caregiver.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023, at Wisconsin Memorial Park at 2:30. A visitation will precede the service at 1:00. Memorials can be given to The American Cancer Society or Washington County Humane Society, or a charity of your choice.
“I love you more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow.”
Shirley met Tom Brisgal at a young age, and although he entered the U.S Coast Guard during WWII, they continued to keep in touch. When Tom returned from the service, he married Shirley on November 8, 1946. They started their family in Milwaukee and moved to Racine to raise four daughters. Shirley worked at Milwaukee Electric Tool as a receptionist for many years. Everyone loved her cheerful voice and happy disposition. Tom and Shirley had a passion for golf and in 1988 moved to Florida and lived in a golf community for seven years, making many friends and enjoying many visits from family. In 1995 they moved back to Wisconsin to be near family.
Shirley loved clothes, shoes and jewelry. She was always perfectly put together. She loved entertaining and cooking and was very social. She and Tom enjoyed getting together with their "Cousins Club" and the "High School Group". Shirley was a petite little lady, but she lit up a room with her presence. She had an endearing way about her, cared deeply about others, and was very kind-hearted. Everyone who met her loved her. We joked that she had a "fan club" and it went without saying that everyone absolutely loved being in her space. She loved reading, taking walks, boating, the beach, the water, and palm trees. Above all else, she loved her family, and we adored her. Her happiest times were spent with "her girls" and their families.
Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was known by many names: Grandma, Nana, Nana Shirley, Nana Whirley, and Shirl Girl (which was her license plate). Her love was always present, unconditional, selfless, and non-judgmental. She will be missed for her sweet voice on the phone, her smile, her hugs, her "love you", her constant interest in all our lives, and "call me when you get home". She was a mother who never stopped thinking or worrying about her family. Shirley enjoyed a glass of wine before dinner and would toast the day with "Thank you for today, look forward to a good day tomorrow".
Shirley is survived by her children Sandra (Dean) Gunderson, Kathleen (Kevin) Fisher, Barbie Marone, and her son-in-law Kai Evensen. Further survived by her grandchildren Jeffrey (Amy) Gunderson, Jennifer (Mark) Miller, Alison (James) Mangerson, Kelsey (Tom) Jaeger, Danya Dallapiazza (Mike), Joey (Trina) Marone, Anthony (Natasha) Marone, Erik (Jaclyn) Evensen and Leif Evensen (David Bretz). Great grandchildren Evan, Nathan, Haley, Tyson, Jake, Lucille, Felicity, Evelyn, Meryl, Hayden, Enzo, Faith, Gianna, JoJo, Giovanni, Alexandra, Henrik, and Lukas.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Melvin, her husband Tom, and her daughter Tamara.
The family wishes to thank the devoted staff at The Gables of Germantown, Allay Hospice, and Melissa, her loving caregiver.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023, at Wisconsin Memorial Park at 2:30. A visitation will precede the service at 1:00. Memorials can be given to The American Cancer Society or Washington County Humane Society, or a charity of your choice.
“I love you more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow.”