Shirley M. Raisbeck

Shirley Mae Raisbeck, age 82, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully into eternal rest on Thursday, January 14, 2010, at Morningside Assisted Living, Lancaster. She was born on January 3, 1928, in South Lancaster Township, the daughter of Earl and Alda Vesperman. Shirley graduated from Lancaster High School in 1945. She furthered her education at the University of Dubuque, graduating with a degree in teaching. On August 1, 1947, Shirley was united in marriage to Robert Raisbeck at the First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster. After their marriage, the couple farmed near Lancaster for many years. Shirley was always active in her community and church and was very strong in her faith. She taught music and piano in her home for many years and was active with the Historical Society and the community library. She was a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church and was very active with the church choir as a director and organist and taught Sunday school. Shirley also was a 4-H leader, music director and hosted two AFS exchange students. She was a member of the Shorthorn Beef Cattle Women's Lassie Auxiliary and was instrumental in the Wisconsin Beef Cook-off. Shirley was named the Wisconsin Farm Wife of the Year for all her efforts. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, crocheting, playing the piano and the organ, traveling and square dancing. A central focus of Shirley's life was caring for her family.

Survivors include her husband, Bob Raisbeck, Lancaster; her children: Douglas (Bev) Raisbeck, Lancaster; Diane (Patrick) Kallas, Hartland; Phillip (Rita) Raisbeck, Lancaster; Suzette (John) Katchko, Rhinelander; Michael Raisbeck, Lancaster; ten grandchildren: Shelly (Scott) Knorr, Nicole (Chad) Vesperman; Kimberly (Ben) Searls, Jessica Kallas, Jarett Kallas, Bridget (Kyle) Krueger, Thomas Raisbeck, Karina Katchko, Daria Katchko, and Kristina Larson; one step-great-grandchild, Abbi (fiance Brock Linde) Knorr; four great-grandchildren: Robbie Knorr, Andy Knorr, Makena Vesperman, and Ava Vesperman; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Donald Vesperman.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, January 17, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Burial was at a later date. Family and friends were welcome on Sunday, January 17, 2010, from 1:00 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home. In lieu of plants and flowers, the family suggests memorials be offered to the First Presbyterian Church or Grant County Hospice.