Shirley Jean Cludius-Perlick

LODI - Shirley Cludius-Perlick of Lodi, Wis., went to her eternal home to be with The Lord on her 97th birthday, Jan. 25, 2022, after a very long struggle with dementia. Born in 1925 in Hartford, Wis., to Howard and Martha Wiegand, she was delivered at home by her maternal grandmother, Amelia Pusch, serving as midwife.

Shirley often reminisced of carefree days playing with her many cousins on her grandparents’ farm, instilling a love for rural Wisconsin and cows! When the Great Depression greatly impacted her family, they moved to Milwaukee so that her father could seek employment. While attending Milwaukee Washington High School, Shirley was involved in theatre, art and debate. She spoke fondly of acting in a lead role alongside Lee Dreyfus, who eventually became Governor of Wisconsin. Her senior year, Shirley faced exciting but conflicting offers: a scholarship in drama to Northwestern University and a marriage proposal from George Cludius. In that time era, women did not always have the choice to do both, which was one of her few regrets.

George and Shirley were married on Aug. 26, 1944, at Capitol Drive Lutheran Church, where they both taught Sunday School. Blessed with 48 years of marriage, the couple still walked hand in hand in their 60s. In 1958, they welcomed their only child, Janell, into their happy home on 93rd St., Milwaukee, eventually moving into Shirley’s “dream home” on Honey Lane in New Berlin. There, the family was enriched with neighborhood friends, backyard Fourth of July pool parties, holiday gatherings and celebrations of many milestones, and creating joyful memories together.

In 1986, following their retirement, George and Shirley relocated to Madison to be near their only grandchild. It was another new adventure for them: establishing new friendships, joining and being very active in church, renovating their new condo in Windsor, and taking Little Whitney on fun adventures.

Losing George unexpectedly in 1992, and being a strong, positive woman of faith, Shirley involved herself in volunteer work, joined Bible study, organized and started a senior luncheon group at church, and took bus trips with friends. Then, in 1994, she surprised us all by marrying Gordon Perlick, a mutual high school friend of George and hers, who had recently been widowed. They lived happily as “snowbirds” between Scottsdale, Ariz., and Middleton for 9 blissful years.

Shirley was a very determined, independent woman, who, even near the end of her life, refused to believe in the word “can't.” Widowed again in 2003, Shirley, a young and vibrant 79-year-old, was not at all interested in a retirement home. Rather, she designed and had a log condo built on Lake Wisconsin, where she moved in 2005 to be near her family, remaining in her Lodi home until her death.

Shirley lived a “large,” beautiful life, traveling often as a family with George and Janell, followed by a three-week tour of Europe with George after retirement, and then fabulous cruise destinations with Gordon. In her later years, “girl trips” with just Janell and Whitney provided heartfelt memories. From their first trip to the 1993-94 Wisconsin Rose Bowl, to grandma and Whitney enjoying cocktails in Savannah, Ga., at The Pirates House Restaurant, to the final tour of Idaho in 2010. At 85, Shirley completed her bucket list of seeing all 50 states in the country which she loved.

Shirley held a variety of careers (medical assistant, travel agent, wedding planner, retail manager and VP of Harmony Real Estate Company, to name a few). Very social, Shirley loved working outside of the home, establishing lasting friendships. She was a friend to many; a good listener, an excellent secret keeper, understanding, quick to forgive and never held a grudge. No one received as many cards as she! Shirley loved entertaining, warmly welcoming family and friends into her lovely, immaculate homes. She was famous for her beautifully displayed “fruit plates.” She happily offered guests to join her for a glass of wine and cheese and crackers.

Naturally artistic, Shirley hand-made birthday invitations and costumes for her daughter, decorated her home for each holiday and scrapbooked before it was a “thing.” Her love of art inspired both her daughter and then granddaughter to become art teachers. Shirley proudly attended both of their students’ art shows throughout the years, even at age 90.

An avid reader, she was pleased that the Lodi library had a large print section and she often read three books a week.

All of those who knew Shirley will always remember her perfectly matched, fashionable outfits. A perfectionist, her hair was always in place and every chosen accessory perfectly matched her clothes - even at the lake!

At 93, Shirley was able to visit and hold her first born great-granddaughter, Marla. She was beaming with love and pride - she adored her.

She had a kind heart towards animals and loved sitting in her chair, looking out at “God's artwork,” as she put it, watching birds, squirrels, and especially the crows. She fed them regularly, insisting they are extremely intelligent. She loved her dogs, her grand-dogs and her great-grand-dogs, always offering them treats and sneaking them forbidden foods.

Shirley is lovingly survived by her daughter, Janell (Tim) Cludius-Burchard of Lodi; granddaughter, Whitney (Nick) Robarge of Lodi; and great-grandchildren, Marla, Kellan and little “Remy,” due in April. She is further survived by her stepdaughter, Cynthia (Marc) Perlick-Flewelling, Scottsdale, Ariz.; cousin, Sandy Wiegand; cousin and “sister,” Joan Gildner; goddaughters, Marcia Whistler, Heidi Hilby and Lynn Beltzner; her church “family” at Lutheran Church of the Living Christ, Madison; and many, many special friends and cousins. She was preceded in death by her doting husbands, George Cludius and Gordon Perlick; her parents, Howard and Martha Wiegand; best friend, Betty Klau; goddaughter, Candy Klau-Frost; and her brother-in-law, Robert Perlick.

Out of all the many blessings in Shirley's life, she loved her church and thrived in her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.

We are honoring Shirley with a contribution to Janell Burchard, towards establishing a memory garden at her beloved log condo on the lake, which in later years became her happy place. Please mail memorials to Shirley and Janell’s address in Lodi.

A warm and sincere thank you to Dr. Schultz and his nurse, Deb, at Prairie Clinic, to Meals on Wheels, and to David and Sherri, Columbia County. A special thanks to Shirley's thoughtful neighbors, Al and Olivia Hedman. Thank you to her team at Agrace: Sierra, Melanie, Erika, Jessica and all others who provided loving care. You are so appreciated! Thank you to Pastor Dan and Christa Kowert, Linda and David Mayfield, and the kind family members and friends who visited Shirley during her final days. You made a difference.

A celebration of life will be held when we can all gather safely. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Hebrews 11:1 - Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real, even if we don't see it.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761