Shirley Raasch

Raasch, Shirley Ann MCFARLAND/MILWAUKEE-Shirley Ann Raasch, age 76, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009. She began her life as Shirley Ann Snopek, born on April 5, 1933, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Stella (Rozmus) Mayer and Casimir Snopek. Soon she was the big sister to Don and Jan. The three siblings celebrated many birthdays and memorable family gatherings with the Snopek and Rozmus cousins, aunts and uncles. During World War II, her step-dad, Julius enlisted in the Army and served as a staff-sergeant. This led their family to various Army bases in: Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisianna, to name a few. Some of that time they made their home in a house trailer and together they survived a tornado. After the war, they settled in Milwaukee, to once again be close to family. In time, she became the big sis to Nancy and Patti. Shirley attended Blessed Sacrament and Pulaski High. She loved animals, especially horses and dogs. She loved to ride horses and spent hours drawing them in her sketchbook. Mom worked at Leons Custard stand and later at Smartwear, womens clothing shop, downtown. Her first job was at Mayers Bakery, owned and operated by her parents, on 27th and Euclid. She met Norman at the bakery the day he came looking for work as a baker. Their courtship was dominated by many a night at the Eagles Club Ballroom. Shirley and Norman were married on Dec. 28, 1951 in Milwaukee. They raised four children together. She loved taking care of her children. She was a great cook specializing in comfort foods and baked goods. She made the best desserts. She loved sewing and made mother-daughter dresses and Halloween costumes for her kids. Shirley grew beautiful flowers and designed arrangements like a pro. She was very artistic, and often made her own greeting cards. Shirley and Norman loved music and dancing. Their kids recall attending weddings where everyone would clear the floor to watch the two of them dance. Shirley suffered a massive stroke in 1980. It left her with many challenges. She had to relearn how to walk, talk, swallow, and she had to become left handed. She taught herself how to write and draw again. She started spending her winters in Florida to escape the cold and to be near her mom, Stella Mayer and siblings. She always dreamed of living in Florida permanently. In 1992, she was diagnosed with inoperable kidney cancer which had already spread to her liver. She put her life in Gods hands. She declined chemo and any other treatment. She said," God will take care of it." She survived for 17 years and amazed all of us and many doctors. Her faith never wavered. She experienced many obstacles, but God was always with her and gave her strength. She left this life peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, at home in her bedroom which she decorated with sea shells, Bible verses, and a picture of Jesus, who we know was waiting with open arms. Shirley is survived by her children, Neal (Christina) Raasch, Ron (Judy Krajniak) Raasch, Susan Raasch-OBrien (Jerome), and Diane (Joe) DAmato; seven grandchildren, Rebecca, Alex, Emily, Elizabeth, Rex, Joey and Wil; five great-grandchildren; brother, Donald (Mary Ann) Mayer; and sisters, Janice (Gary) Hansen, Nancy (Sonny) Sellers, and Patti (Bob) Williams. She was preceded in death by her step-father, Julius Mayer; mother, Stella Mayer; and father, Casimer Snopek. A memorial service will be held at EVANGEL LIFE CENTER, 4402 Femrite Drive, Madison, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. Visitation will be at the church from 2 p.m. until the time of the service. Dearest "Special Mom", our love and gratitude are yours eternally. Special thanks to her doctors and many in-home and in-patient caregivers. A mother is she who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take. Visitation: Visitation will be held at the church from 2 p.m. until the time of the service. Service: Funeral services will be held at EVANGEL LIFE CENTER, 4402 Femrite Drive, Madison at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2009.