Shirley M. Theel

Shirley M. Theel

November 15, 1949 - November 05, 2025

Send Flowers

Obituary

MADISON / MONONA - Shirley Marie Theel, age 75, of Monona, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Heritage Monona. She was born on November 15, 1949, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Gordon and Mary (Beckwith) Jenkins.


Shirley was a graduate of Madison Central High School. On January 25, 1969, she married Russell Theel in Madison. They enjoyed 56 years of marriage. For many years she worked as an administrative assistant for the Army Air Force Exchange Service. Shirley loved to travel, and enjoyed playing Bingo, visiting casinos and watching soap operas.


Shirley was a member of the St. Matthew’s New Life Church, and her faith was her ongoing source of strength. She was devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.


Shirley is survived by her husband, Russell; daughter and son-in-law, Jodi (Gil) Franco; son and daughter-in-law, Scott (Stacie) Theel; grandchildren, Nic (Sabina) Higgins, Cait Higgins, Kahner Theel and Hannah (Brevan) Watson; and great-grandchildren, Mylah Higgins and Blair Watson; sisters, Virginia (Bill) Gostele and Barbara Porter; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Gordon Jenkins; mother, Mary Jenkins; and sister, Janet.


A memorial service will be held at St. Matthew’s New Life Church, 7564 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, with Pastor Heather Hayward presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Graveside service will be held at HIGHLAND MEMORY GARDENS, 3054 County Highway BB, Cottage Grove, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. A time of fellowship and dessert at the church will follow the burial. Shirley's family asks that you honor her memory by bringing a dessert to share.
 

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Events

15
Visitation
Sat Nov 15, 2025 @ 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CDT
St. Matthews (New Life Church) Lutheran Church • 7564 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, WI 53718
Get Directions
15
Memorial Service
Sat Nov 15, 2025 @ 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
St. Matthews (New Life Church) Lutheran Church • 7564 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, WI 53718
Get Directions
15
Graveside Service
Sat Nov 15, 2025 @ 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Highland Memory Gardens • 3054 County Rd BB, Madison, WI 53718
Get Directions

Photos

Add photos
of Shirley
No photos of Shirley have been shared yet.

Memories

Add a memory of
Shirley
AT
A Memorial Tree was planted for Shirley Marie Theel
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison
SH
Sharon and Gene Halverson
Other •
Russ and family So sorry to hear of Sirleys passing. Stop in and see us when you can...would love to have you. would give us a chance to catch up on memories Cousin Sharon
SB
Sandy and Bob Brill
Other •
Russ, Sandy and I just learned of Shirley's passing and wish to express our sincere condolences to you and your family. Unfortunately, we will be unable to attend the visitation and service on Saturday but want you to know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
TF
Therese (Tess Finn)Thompson
Other •
I happened to see this obituary, and though it is after Shirley's services, I wanted to extend My Condolences to her Family. I knew Shirley as a classmate at Central High School. There were a group of us girls that hung around together during our time at Central I lost touch with Shirley after high school when us girls went different ways. RIHP Shirley. May We meet again in a different Life. (Therese/Tess Finn Thompson)

Share memorial