Shirley June Kleinertz

Shirley June Kleinertz, 82 of La Crosse passed away on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 23, 1930 in Milwaukee to Erwin and Minnie (Toltzin) Huffman.

Shirley graduated from Central High School in 1947. On June 4, 1949 she married George Kleinertz at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse. Together they raised six children and lived in the same home in La Crosse for 57 years. Shirley was a devoted wife, caring mother and grandmother and loyal friend. Her passion was her family; she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Shirley will be remembered for her kindness, good humor, strong values and convictions, and courageous spirit. She lived every day with a positive attitude never complaining or judging others. She was always willing to help and volunteer.

Shirley was a member of Auxiliary 52 of the American Legion, the Womens Auxiliary, and the Red Hat Club. She also had a variety of interests; including gardening, sewing, crafting, cooking, shopping, playing bridge and cards, going to the casino, golfing, bowling, going out to eat, socializing, and enjoying a glass of wine. She was a very talented seamstress and participated in many local craft shows where she sold her original work.

Shirley is survived by her husband George; four sons; Gary Kleinertz of La Crosse, Bob Kleinertz of Muskego, WI, Rod (Theresa) Kleinertz of West Salem and Dan (Ann) Kleinertz of Stoddard; two daughters; Debbie (fianc, Chuck Forer) Rosenow of La Crosse and Patty (Bob) Meurer of Coon Valley; twelve grandchildren; Faith Kleinertz, Brian (Heidi) Rosenow, Eric (fianc, Kelly Reid) Kleinertz, Steven Kleinertz, Jennifer (Stephen) Schuh, Aaron and Rachel Kleinertz, Marcus, Austin and Alec Meurer and Simon and Neil Kleinertz; three great-grandchildren; Samuel, Tyler and Dominic; a sister-in-law; Irene Huffman and a nephew, Sterling Williver. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Carl Huffman and two sisters; Doris Williver and Jeanne Dorn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, July 12th at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Rev. David Olson officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Ave. S. La Crosse where a Vigil Service will be held at 6:30 P.M.; and again at the church on Thursday from 9:30 A.M. until the time of services.

The family extends special thanks to the Gundersen-Lutheran Hospice Program for providing exceptional care during Shirleys last eight months. We truly cherished this time.