Shirley A. Shelbrack

Shirley Ann Leonard Shelbrack, 87 of Cross Plains, passed away on Wednesday, December 20th, 2023, a glorious sunny day at home. Shirley was born in Milwaukee to Frank and Klara (Drewek) Leonard. She was the 4th of 5 children. Growing up in Milwaukee on Good Hope Rd. over her parents’ grocery store through the lean years of the depression and WWII era. She enjoyed tagging along with her two older sisters, joining them on their many outings. Eventually the Leonard family moved to Wausau, WI where Shirley attended St. Michael’s Grade School, Wausau High. Shirley enjoyed school and was a good student, she continued her education at UW Extension Marathon County. Shirley met her husband August “Jack” Shelbrack while they were both working at Weltman’s grocery store. They were married on a beautiful fall day, in Wausau, on October 19, 1957 and just celebrated 66 years of marriage.

They relocated to Cross Plains to begin their lives together, Jack and Shirley had 8 children. Susan DuCharme (Chuck, deceased), David Shelbrack, (Patty), Cindy Marty, Cathy Wittenwyler, (John, deceased) Brenda Pulvermacher (Bill), John Shelbrack (Christine), Becky Shelbrack, and LuAnn Shelbrack (Dan Miller)

Shirley was a stay at home mom for many years, raising her children, teaching CCD and 4H. Her yard was often full of neighborhood kids playing and enjoying their time outside.

She started and ended her career at the State Bank of Cross Plains, she retired in 2003.  

During retirement she spent time volunteering for St Francis Church in Cross Plains, where she was a 60 year member. She enjoyed singing, spending time with her family, baking her delicious homemade bread weekly, enjoying time at the family pond, and was always found to be reading a good book or looking at nature out her picture window in her favorite chair.

Shirley is survived by her husband Jack, her children, Grandchildren, Step-Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, and Step-Great Grandchildren. She is also survived by her baby brother Frank, many Sisters and Brothers in laws, and numerous loving nieces and nephews. 

Her smile and gentle ways will be missed.

A private family Mass was held on December 28th, 2023.

Informed Choice Funeral & Cremation Service Alternatives

3325 E. Washington Ave.

Madison, WI 53704