Denise Jane Shields
March 09, 1952 - August 29, 2019
Obituary
WATERTOWN – A woman who was best described as “Larger than Life,” Denise Jane Shields, age 67, of Watertown, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, at Agrace HospiceCare.
Daughter of Robert Chester and Martha Jane (Mohr) Shields, she was born on March 9, 1952, in New Palestine, Ind. Denise graduated from New Palestine High School in New Palestine, Ind. She was a hard-working, dedicated employee who often said how much “she loved them good ol’ Farm and Fleet days” after working customer service there for over 20 years. Her loud laughter, southern accent and jingling hoop earrings could be heard in Shopko and Dollar Tree later on, when she greeted her many favorite customers by name. Denise was known as “Work Mom” to many of her coworkers over the years.
Denise was proud to be the great-niece of Branch McCracken, and her IU basketball team was her passion. She would paint her gorgeous long nails blue to support her Indianapolis Colts. As an award winning, longtime leader and member of the 4-H Club, she loved going back home to the Hancock County Fair to support her nieces and nephews and their children. She kept EVERY single newspaper clipping that mentioned anything about her beloved family. Denise loved making her sweet iced tea, check wagon races, wearing red boots and talking the arm off of everyone she met.
Denise is survived by her children, Amanda Michele Groves (Andrew Butzine) and Clinton David (Amy) Groves; three grandsons, Benjamin Robert, Nikolas David and Nathan Jeffrey Checots; granddaughter, Novana Jane DeBord; step-grandchildren, Alana and Gavin Bruske; brother, Dan (Brigid) Shields; and sisters, Donna (Tim) Cain and Darlene (Chris) Seifert. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A celebration of Denise’s life will be held at LYONS IRISH PUB, 201 E. Main St., Watertown, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019.
Memorials made to the CJD Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
“GO BIG RED”
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Celebration of Life
Sat Nov 30, 2019 @ 4:00 PM CDT
Lyons Irish Pub • 201 E. Main St., Watertown, WI 53094
Photos
No photos of Denise have been shared yet.
Memories
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Flora Bergman
Other •
Your mom will be greatly missed, we enjoyed many good times through the years. You have my deepest sympathy.
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Barb Schuett
Other •
What a beautifully written obituary. It's all so true, how supportive Denise was with her children, family, hometown and sports. I whole heartedly agree that I will miss her smile, her laughter, her jingling earrings and mostly... her hugs and upbeat personality. RIP my dear friend. I will miss you ❤
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Angelia Bolden
Other •
This women was such a kind women and she had a great soul! I have known her since I was a kid and it was a privilege to be able to know her! She is truely loved by all!!!
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Steve Griffin
Other •
Such an amazing and wonderful person! I could talk to her about anything and she would either pat my back or kick my butt, whichever I needed. I miss her too.
MK
Maggie Colestock Kennedy
Other •
Very sad to hear of Denise passing. During our school years we rode the same bus. I remember her fondly as a great kid. She was so full of life
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Dan Raabe
Other •
It was truly an honor to have known this woman my stepson and her son were best friends since grade school awesome lady always had a smile to greet you will be dearly missed May she rest in peace a wonderful friendly and caring lady