Shirley M. Gorell, 92

Shirley M. Gorell, of Stevens Point, passed away at home in the early morning hours of January 20, 2024, at the age of 92.

Shirley was born October 13, 1931 in Eau Claire, Wis.; daughter of the late Roy and Marie (née Aebersold) Easterson. She grew up in the area, attending local schools while also being involved in sports and played the violin. In 1949, she graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School.

Following high school, Shirley joined the workforce and loved to attend sporting events. While at a fast pitch softball game at Water Street Park in Eau Claire with some friends, she met Wayne Gorell. At that time, Wayne worked at Lake Hallie Golf Course, so naturally, Shirley developed an interest in golf, showing up at the golf course on several occasions. It’s no surprise that the two began courting, which was the beginning of a lifetime of love.

On August 5, 1961, Shirley became Mrs. Wayne Gorell. The two then relocated to Chetek, Wis., where Wayne attained his first teaching job and Shirley worked as a bank teller. In 1963, the two were blessed with a daughter, Sheri. As a family of three, they moved once again to La Crosse, soon after becoming a family of four when they welcomed their son, Kyle, in 1965. The following year, in 1966, the family made one last move to Stevens Point, which became their permanent home. The family welcomed another daughter, Kim, and they became the perfect family of five.

Shirley worked at Sentry Insurance and remained there until her retirement, while Wayne was a teacher at UWSP. It was here, in Stevens Point, where the family put down roots and created many lasting friendships.

Shirley’s greatest accomplishments and source of pride was, of course, her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and eventually, grandmother; openly and joyfully expressing her unconditional love for them. However, Shirley’s love of people didn’t stop there. She enjoyed activities that involved her family and friends. She loved spending time with her Bridge groups, hanging out with her First Friday Club, and of course, her Ya Ya friend group.

She also enjoyed being active through playing golf, bingo, traveling, and watching sporting events. She attended as many sporting events as possible and loved to watch the Badgers and Packers play. In fact, she was an avid bowler and participated in league for several years. In everything she did, Shirley had one of the most positive attitudes around, squeezing every ounce of juice from the lemons of life. Unless it involved pecans; then she made her famous pecan pies.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Wayne; her children Sheri (Dan) Dobratz, Kyle (Renee) Gorell, and Kim Bolender; and her grandchildren, Taylor (Cody) Palm, Rachel (Ellis) Johnson, Morgan Dobratz, Maddie Schell, and Noah Gorell. She is further survived by her siblings, Bob (Arlene) Easterson and Bonnie (Steve) Haug; and several nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Marie; and her sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Kenny Wolf.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the ICU Nurses at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital as well as the Hospice Team from Compassus, for all the compassionate care given to Shirley.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1410 Rogers St., Stevens Point. Pastor Joyce Heintz will officiate. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

Shuda Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.