Shirley A. Cvikota

Shirley Cvikota passed away peacefully at her home Tuesday, February 16 after a courageous battle with a rare infection. Shirley was born October 14, 1937 in Prairie du Sac Wisconsin, the daughter of Edna and Clayton Russell. Shirley grew up in Prairie du Sac and worked as a lifeguard at the community swimming pool in her summers. She married the love of her life, Ken Cvikota on September 5, 1959.

The young couple lived briefly in Madison, where Shirley worked for Grabers in Middleton and at Truax Air base in Madison. In 1962, they moved to La Crosse, WI where she worked for Allis Chalmers and the La Crosse Redevelopment Authority before starting The Cvikota Company with Ken to provide medical billing services for physician practices in the area.

In addition to the family business, Shirley was very involved in the community and church. She was active at Asbury Methodist Church and most recently North Presbyterian Church. Shirley also volunteered at the gift shop at St. Francis Hospital as a member of the St. Francis Auxiliary as well as supporting fundraisers such as the annual Tiny Tim fundraiser. She also was an active member of the La Crosse Republican Women and served as treasurer for many years. Shirley was also a member and treasurer for the Laurent Omicrom Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi.

Shirley loved theater and travel, and found tremendous joy touring in antique cars. They participated in many old car tours around the United States in their 1929 Model A Coupe and other vintage cars, as well as taking the Model A to Norway and touring there and other Scandinavian countries. She was actively involved as a member of the Veteran’s Motor Car Club of America (VMCCA). Shirley also enjoyed relaxing and entertaining friends up at their cottage on Red Cedar Lake. Lots of fun was had and memories made by the water in the summer, or enjoying the winter wonderland of northern Wisconsin. Shirley also volunteered at the lake serving as a member of the board of directors to the Loch Lomond Beach Club. Shirley and Ken also enjoyed spending winters with family and friends in Palm Desert, soaking up the sun, playing golf or just plain relaxing.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Edna and Clayton, her sister Marion (Burke), and nephew Russell (Burke). She is survived by her husband Ken, son Curt (Kris) Cvikota, Grandchildren Jake, Sam and Aly, brother Henry (Pat) Russell, niece Connie (James) Reeves, nephew Derek (Carolyn) Burke and their children Chad, Ethan, and Jillian, and great nephew Ian Burke.

We would like to thank the physicians and staff at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and the Hospice team at Gundersen Lutheran, as well as Bonnie, Shanen, and Judy for their care, assistance and kindness this past month.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

-Psalm 73:25

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM at North Presbyterian Church on Thursday February 25. Pastor Scott Skogen will officiate. A visitation will be at 10:00 am until the time of services.  Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the North Presbyterian Church, the La Crosse Community Theater, or a Charity that is near and dear to your heart. The Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crosse are in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com .