Mrs. Shirley A. Zalewski

Shirley A. Zalewski, 87, Green Bay, formerly of Antigo passed away on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at St. Vincent Hospital. Shirley was born on May 5, 1934 in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, the daughter of the now late Elmer and Althea (Steinbicer) Heckert. On November 8, 1952 she married Stanley Zalewski at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, Antigo and the couple enjoyed over 55 years together. Stanley preceded her in death on November 23, 2007. Shirley was a potato farmer's wife. She loved her husband, her kids and all her grandkids unconditionally. She enjoyed sports especially the Packers and the Badgers and shared that passion with her brother, Kenny. She was competitive, especially when playing euchre, gin and riot. She loved bowling and was a "happy hacker" golfer. She and papa floated on the dance floor to their favorite, Nat King Cole. She had the gift of hospitality and made you feel like family as soon as she met you. Her specialty was sauerkraut and potato dumplings, chocolate chip cookies and spicy pretzels. Shirley accepted Christ as her personal Savior at age 12 and was baptized with her brother Kenny at a small revival in Antigo. As she grew older, her love for the Lord deepened and He was her source of comfort and strength and now the Lord has brought her home. Shirley is survived by her children: Debbie (Rick) Schuette, Green Bay; Daniel Zalewski, Antigo; Laurie (Kirt) Schmidt, Oshkosh; David Zalewski, Antigo; Patrick (Jeanne) Zalewski, Antigo; Melanie (Steve) Wanner, Wausau; a special daughter-in-law: Joyce Brown, Mequon; 14 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, one sister: Laura Flemming, one brother-in-law and four sisters-in-law: Ronald (Sue) Zalewski, Carol Heckert, Janet Heckert and Jackie (Rick) Kjome. She is further survived by nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by one grandchild: Jonathon Zalewski, two brothers: Russell Heckert and Kenneth Heckert, three brothers-in-law: Marvin (Jeanne) Zalewski, Jim Zalewski and Gerhardt Flemming, one nephew: Stevie Zalewski, Michael Flemming and Jeff Heckert. Gathering of family and friends will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Monday, August 9, 2021 at Bethel Baptist Church, 1601 Libal Street. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. at the church with Rev. Kirk Leach officiating and her son-in-law Kirt Schmidt co-celebrating. Burial at Elmwood Cemetery, Antigo. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy a Memorial Fund has been established in her name. The family would like to offer a warm note of appreciation to her caregiver (who turned out to be a friend as well) Nancy Kustka ~ your kindness will never be forgotten.

Mrs. Shirley A. Zalewski

May 5, 1934 - August 3, 2021