Shirley Olander

Shirley M. (Walker),Olander age 85, passed away January 16, 2016 at her home, as was her wish.

Shirley was born on June 25, 1930 in Racine, WI, daughter of Everett and Vera (Schmidt) Walker. She was a 1948 graduate of Horlick High School in Racine, WI. On August 12, 1950 Shirley married her high school sweetheart, Donald J. Olander, Sr. In the fall of 1950 Shirley and Don moved to Sheboygan where they have lived for the past 64 years. Donald and Shirley recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on August 12, 2015 surrounded by family and friends.

Shirley was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and willing servant of the Lord. She dedicated her entire life to serving her family and helping those in need. She was a Red Cross Volunteer for over 20 years, a Sacristan at Holy Name of Jesus church for-over 40 years. In their retirement years Shirley and Don were advocates for the Mental Health Association, directing their attention to Child Abuse. Shirley easily reached out to help any person in need, be it a neighbor, friend, stranger. She supported financially and prayerfully dozens of disadvantaged children from Guatemala, Mexico, and Africa for over 40 years. Her caring gentle ways of helping changed the lives of many.

Shirley is survived by her husband Donald Sr. of Sheboygan, three sons, Michael (Peggie)Olander of Oconomowoc, WI, Donald Olander Jr., of Wild Rose, WI Christopher (Jennifer) Olander of Randolph, WI., two daughters, Martha Olander of Sheboygan and Catherine (Terrence) Van Treeck of Sheboygan Falls, WI. She also survived by her 8 grandchildren, Robert (Shannon) Olander, Paul (fianc Rachael) Olander, Aaron Van Treeck, Austin Van Treeck (girlfriend Sydney Church), Megan Olander, Chelsea Olander, Alicia Olander
and Jill Olander. Shirley was blessed to have 3 great-grandchildren, Stephen, Jonathan and Christian Olander. She is further survived by her sister Colleen (Richard) Wallis, her brother-in-law, Ronald Ashenfelter, and by her loving companion canine Buddy, also by many nieces, nephews, great and grand nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Wanda Ashenfelter, nephew Peter Geyer, her in-laws Eric and Francis Olander and many friends and relatives.

Shirleys beautiful life on this earth will be celebrated at Holy Name of Jesus church, 807 Superior Ave., Sheboygan, WI on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 11:00 AM with Fr. Jim Connell officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM until the time of mass.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Shirleys name to care for disadvantaged children. Checks may be made out to the Shirley Olander Childrens Fund.
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