Shirley Ann Homburg

MONONA-Shirley Ann Landsness Homburg, beloved wife and mother, devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away at home on Dec. 26, 2013 at the age of 84, from complications of cancer. Shirley was born in Madison on Sept. 24, 1929, to Mae and Adolph Landsness. She spent her early years on the family Centennial Farm in Madison, moving with her mother and sister, Annette (Landsness) Hendrickson to the east side of Madison following the death of her father in 1946. Shirley met the love of her life, Harold Homburg, when he drove her and other rural students to Madison East High School. She was always ready early, so she could claim the seat next to Harold. They married on June 23, 1951, at Bethel Lutheran Church, and enjoyed 62 years together in Madison and Monona, building their businesses and raising their family. Shirley’s lifetime of service to her family, friends and her community was filled with devotion, love, kindness and a sharp sense of business. She served as President of Homburg Equipment, Inc. for over forty years. Shirley was currently serving on the Olbrich Botanical Society Board of Directors, a position she held for many years. In addition to her volunteer service at Olbrich, Shirley established their Growing Gifts Gift Shop in 1988, serving as manager and gift buyer for 21 years. Prior to Olbrich, Shirley worked in retail gift buying and merchandising at Stevens House of Gifts for over 20 years. Shirley was a graduate of the U.W. Madison and briefly taught English and Art in the Madison school district. Her community service additionally included many years with the Blooming Grove Historical Society, the State of Wisconsin Historical Society, Monona Landmarks Commission, and Bethel Lutheran Church, of which she was a member for 70 years. The passion and light of Shirley’s life was her family. She cared deeply and fully for each person, delighting in their every accomplishment and sharing with them her compassion and wisdom. She is survived by her husband, Harold; a daughter, Annette Durkin; sons, Chris (Janet) and Andrew (Sandy); her grandchildren, Alex (Meghan) Durkin, Chris Durkin, Hayley, Lauren, Valerie and Mitchell Homburg; and great-grandchildren, Madeleine and Susan Durkin. A Funeral Service will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, with Pastor Curt Everson presiding. A visitation will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the church. Memorials in honor of Shirley may be made to Olbrich Botanical Society. Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420