Shirley J. Kruesel

Shirley J. Kruesel, 68, Wausau, died Monday, October 14, 2013 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a long battle with cancer. She was born October 20, 1944 in Antigo, daughter of the late Walter and Agnes (Hartman) Pietz. On September 25, 1965, she married Ervin Kruesel at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Marathon. He survives. Shirley was a graduate of the Antigo High School. She worked for Wausau Insurance Company until her retirement in 1999. From 1984 until 2008 she was Executive Officer for the Wausau Area Builders Association and was the first and only Executive Officer awarded the Lifetime Honorary Membership of the Wisconsin Builders Association. Shirley was the secretary for the American Legion Auxiliary, Wausau. Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed cooking, baking and entertaining family and friends. She was known for hosting great parties for holidays, Packer games and many other occasions. Shirley had the opportunity to travel with her husband to all 50 states, many foreign countries, including three Caribbean cruises. She loved spending time with her friends, joining them for monthly lunches and monthly casino trips. Survivors include, her husband, Erv Kruesel, Wausau; two children, Scott (Dana) Kruesel, Mosinee and Kristin (Matt) Hartway, Marathon; six granddaughters, Loralynn Teske, Hayley Myszka, Alexis Myszka, Courtney Myszka, Brooklyn Hartway and Delaney Hartway; two sisters, Lois (Curt) LaSage, Germantown and Marcia Pietz, Hatley; one brother, Gary (Elisa) Pietz, Phoenix, Ariz.; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. Rev. Joel Brandt will officiate. Entombment will be in the Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Thursday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau and again on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. There will be a service conducted by the American Legion Auxiliary Montgomery Plant Unit No. 10, Wausau at 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com