Shirley Mae Zessin

Shirley Mae Zessin, 86, of rural La Crescent, Minnesota, passed away at her home on Sunday, April 16, 2023, due to breast cancer. She was born in Sparta, Wisconsin, to Glenn and Fern (Anderson) Steele.

She and her husband owned and operated Crescent Electronics, an appliance business, for many years, as well as remodeling rental properties. She also waitressed and worked at Ellickson Studio & Gallery. She traveled the area a number of years with her daughter, selling crafts through their business Apple DeCore.

She was a charter member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in La Crescent and their first woman president of the church council. She also served as president and treasurer of TOPS #725 in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

She was an accomplished bowler and quite the markswoman, outshooting Myron. She was an excellent cook, seamstress, crafter, and painter. She was quiet, private, sweet, generous, smart, patient listener, had a great sense of humor, and an extraordinary role model.

Shirley is survived by her daughters Debra (Tom) Pollard of La Crosse, WI, and Tamara Benson of La Crescent, MN. She is also survived by her grandsons Ryan McCauley, Jesse Benson, Tyler Benson, Trevor McCauley, Alex Pollard, and Joe Pollard, great-grandson Michael McCauley, and very special cousin and friend, LaVonne Kingslien.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Fern (Anderson) Steele; husband, Myron Zessin; son, Trent Zessin; and brother, Leon Steele.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, La Crescent Chapel, 111 South Oak Street, with Pastor Mike Woods officiating.

Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until time of the service. Burial will follow the service at Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Nodine, MN. Please direct memorials to the charity of your choice.