Obituary: Shirley Rosenberger

As received from the Ryan Funeral Home:

Shirley Rosenberger age 80, peacefully passed away on Saturday July 6th with Don, her husband of 63 years, at her side at the Lighthouse at Hancock. Shirley was born in Waukegon, IL on May 14, 1939, to Eleanor (Fountaine) and Harold Cook. She lived in Waukegon for the first 5 years of her life. Upon her father’s death, her sister Barbara and mother returned to Eleanor’s hometown of Lake Linden.

Shirley was united in marriage with Don (her high school sweetheart) on August 11, 1956. Together they had three children. Her family was her greatest joy and during the last several weeks, she was surrounded by the love of her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Shirley deeply loved her extended family as well, always making sure to remember birthdays and anniversaries with cards and gifts. She had an exceptional memory for dates and family relationships.

Shirley was a graduate of Calumet High School and worked at several local businesses including King’s Insurance, Sears, Keweenaw County Probate Court, Copper Range Abstract and Title Co., and finally retiring in 2001 from the Houghton County Register of Deeds office. 

Shirley and Don took many trips together including Alaskan and Caribbean cruises, Las Vegas, Key West, Hawaii, central Europe among others. She was always quick to make friends no matter what country she was in. Shirley would talk with strangers in stores and leave them with a smile on their faces. While she enjoyed traveling, she was a homebody who loved to garden, crochet, was a voracious reader, and made delicious meals. Holiday gatherings with has family, making meals including pies and desserts, were always a blessed (and scrumptious) time. Shirley was also a wonderful seamstress making clothes for her family, slipcovers, curtains and doing alterations.

Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Donald Jr, mother and father, and sister, Barbara. She is survived by her hudband, Don; daughters Rhonda (Kevin) Rogan and Roberta Rosenberger; grandchildren Patrick Rogan (Kim Murphy) and Danielle Adams (Frankie Kreitner); and great grandchildren Riley Rogan and Gabriel Kreitner; sisters Marry Keissler and Nancy Pearce; numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Over the last few years, Shirley courageously fought cancer (and won!), but could not overcome her failing heart, a heart that filled with love and gave so much. She is now at peace and can rest. Shirley’s humor, kindness, smile, gentle and giving nature will be missed by all who knew her.

Per Shirley’s request, cremation has taken place and a private graveside service will be held at a later date. So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think of me as far away, for every time you think of me, I am right here in your heart. Ryan Funeral Home is serving the family.