Shirley L Uekert

Shirley L. Uekert, a vibrant soul with a big heart, passed away peacefully, leaving a legacy of love, laughter, and a life well-lived. Born on October 17, 1932, Shirley was the youngest of five children of Emil and Martha (Kufahl) Bauman. She grew up in Wausau, fondly remembering walking the railroad trestles to school, sneaking rejected ice cream treats from the old Kleinheinz Dairy, and going to the circus with her cousin, Chuck. Shirley was a treasured member of the fun-seeking and always entertaining Kufahl relation. 

Shirley graduated from Wausau High School and became one of the “Murray Girls” at Murray Machinery, where she worked as a file clerk. One of her favorite memories from that time was when her typewriter arm tore her boss’s trousers as he leaned over the filing cabinet – an incident that never failed to make her giggle, even years later. 

In 1957, Shirley married the love of her life, Eugene Uekert, a fourth-generation farmer from the town of Rib Falls. The city girl who couldn’t fry an egg was suddenly thrust into farm life, but with the guidance of her mother-in-law Erna, she transformed into a skilled homemaker. Shirley became an excellent baker, treating her children to homemade bread, jelly-filled donuts, and an impressive array of Christmas candies. Eventually, Shirley taught herself cake decorating and became the go-to baker for wedding and birthday cakes. Her children vividly remember helping her load up her multi-tiered masterpieces in the trunk of the family’s Grand Marquis as they delivered them to wedding receptions.

Shirley’s zest for life wasn’t confined to her kitchen. She thrived on adventures with extended Kufahl family, recalling the time they turned a German restaurant into an impromptu concert hall as she played piano to “Schnitzelbank,” with everyone raising glasses in song. For over 60 years, Shirley served as organist for Zion Lutheran Church in Rib Falls, a role she cherished deeply. Her music filled the small country church every Sunday, and her dedication was celebrated in the local newspaper and TV station when she marked 60 years in this role. Even in her later years, Shirley was playing the piano for residents at Copperleaf Assisted Living, sharing the gift of music with those around her.

When Eugen passed away in 2013, Shirley tackled new challenges with her characteristic determination. She took over Eugene’s duties on the cemetery board, al most single-handedly rescuing the cemetery by baking and selling heart-shaped cakes to raise funds. Never one to let age define her, Shirley learned to swim at 70, winning a muffin from a bank teller who doubted her resolve. She joined the 500 Milestone Club at the Marathon Area Swim Association pool, swimming an impressive 466 miles before her health slowed her pace.

At 85, Shirley began writing short stories and became a published author, contributing heartfelt pieces to Guidepost and other magazines. She also embarked on her first international trip, visiting her son ken and his wife Shelly in Germany, marveling at the sights and soaking in new experiences. 

Shirley adored her grandchildren, and in her later years, credited Lucas and Morgan with keeping her young at heart, referring to them as “my two little sweethearts.” One of her favorite memories was a hayride, coinciding with her 90th birthday, with her son Scott proudly driving the tractor with family and friends piled into the hay wagon.

When asked how she wanted to be remembered, Shirley simply said, “I’d like to be remembered as an outgoing person who had many friends and talents.” Those who knew her can attest that she more than succeeded. Shirley embraced life with open arm, always ready to say “YES!” to new adventures.

She is survived by her children Sharon (Gary) Kreft of Athens; Ken (Shelly) Uekert of Grand Junction, CO; Brenda Uekert of Auguanga, CA; Nancy (Lloyd) Hoeft of Murfreesboro, TN; Scott (Ashlee) Uekert of Athens; nine grandchildren Travis (Jennifer) Kreft, Waylon and Jared Kreft, Jessica Hoeft, Taylor (Tommaso), Colin, Oliver, Morgan and Lucas Uekert; one great granddaughter Skyler Baumann and sister-in-law Mavis Steidinger. She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene and her siblings Dorothy, Doris, Marion and Gordy.

Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 27, 2024 at Highland Community Church, 1005 N. 28th Ave, Wausau with Rev. Ryan Bare officiating. Visitation will take place from 12:00 PM until the time of service at the church on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Gentiva Foundation (Heartland Hospice), https://www.gentivahs.com/about/donate/.