Shirley M. Zocher

Shirley Mae Zocher, 80, Athens, died Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at Colonial Center, Colby. She was born June 2, 1937 in Wausau, daughter of the late Edwin and Bertha (Eggebrecht) Ziegel. On December 11, 1954, she married Hilbert Zocher in Pine City, Minn. He preceded her in death on September 23, 2015. Together, Shirley and Hilbert owned and operated the former Zoch's Wayside Bar in Athens for 10 years, and Shirley was also employed at Marathon Cheese Corp. until her retirement in 1999. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Athens and enjoyed her role as a den mother for the local cub scouts. Throughout her life, she enjoyed playing cards, dancing, bowling and was an excellent home run dartball shooter. Shirley was a "social butterfly" and was mother to many. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Survivors include her four children, Kenneth Zocher, Cheryl (Dennis) Strunk and Robert Zocher, all of Athens and Kay (Todd) Roth, Mosinee; ten grandchildren; one step-grandson; 12 great-grandchildren; three step-great grandchildren; two sisters, Joann (Bill) Bretl, Wausau and Michelle (Gary) Voigt, Merrill; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, Hilbert, she was preceded in death by one step-granddaughter, Charity Volm; and one brother, Franklin Ziegel. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. Rev. Mark Schwalenberg will officiate. Burial will be in the Salem Lutheran Cemetery, Hamburg. Visitation will be on Friday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the church, and again on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com