Shirley Swanson

Shirley A. Swanson, 73, of Wausau, passed away at Aspirus Wausau Hospital on Saturday, May 30, 2020.

She was born on August 22, 1946 to the late Robert and Milda (Krull) Umland. She was raised on the family farm in Birnamwood, WI. She married Weldon S. Swanson on September 17, 1966; he survives. They lived in Wausau, where Shirley was a homemaker after her children were born. She took pride in caring for her family members and grandchildren as they grew. Shirley also baby-sat her niece and nephew, Stephanie & Travis Hunter until they reached school age. They always held a special place in Shirley’s heart.

Shirley was well known as a wonderful cook & baker by all. Her passion for cooking and baking was evident early on as she won the Betty Crocker award in high school. Over the years her recipes were requested by many people. In her later years when she wasn’t able to cook anymore she received pleasure in teaching her husband how to do things her way in the kitchen & when he would ask her why he had to do it like that she would simply answer “just do it!”. Shirley enjoyed playing cards and always welcomed her daughter or grandchildren to join in a few games of Phase 10 or Skipbo. Shirley enjoyed spending time with her family and she took great pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchild. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Weldon; her children, Kurt (Doedie) Swanson and Sherry (Bruce Watson) Leitza; five grandchildren, Kaylee (Ben) Graefe, Heather (Josh Lee) Swanson, Derrick Bogan, Mitchell Swanson and Megan Leitza; one great-grandchild, Braelynn Swanson-Lee; siblings, Sharon (Bill) Hunter and Ron Umland; sister-in-law, Joyce Umland; sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Dolores & Dick Diestler; as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by a brother, Lester Umland, a nephew Tom Umland and step-father Walter Scholz.

A graveside celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at the Hogarty Cemetery, in the Town of Harrison. Visitation will take place from 10:00 am until the time of services all at the cemetery. For the safety and wellbeing of all who attend, facemasks are encouraged, and social distancing will take place.  Family and friends may go to helke.com to leave an online condolence.