Shirley Ann Voegeli

Shirley Ann Voegeli, 81 of Watertown, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2024, at Shorehaven in Oconomowoc.

Shirley was born on October 12, 1942, in Emmet, the daughter of Benjamin and Erna (Giese) Seefeldt. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran church and had a lifelong unshakeable faith in God. She graduated from Watertown High School in 1960 and went on to be an occupational therapist assistant at Bethesda Lutheran. One of her first cars was a 1956 corvette with a racing clutch. She took Walt for a ride that he never forgot through town that included a spin around at Sharp Corner (literal spin).

On August 26, 1967, Shirley was united in marriage with Walter Voegeli at St. John Ev. Lutheran of Watertown. The couple shared 56 years of marriage until his passing in 2023. In that time, she managed the household and raised three wonderful children. Some would say it was four since Walter could be a big kid at times. We tested her patience often and were rewarded with the occasional eye roll or disapproving look. Later in life, Shirley worked several years for the Watertown Daily Times delivering newspapers. Shirley enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening and creating things with clay. You could not visit her house and not leave without having a piece of cake or some other dessert. Often lovingly being coerced into taking several pieces home for later.

Many years ago, one Easter Sunday, her favorite oldest grandson introduced the family to disc golfing. From that time on the whole family would get together to fling plastic and enjoy each other’s company. Walter and Shirley visited the disc golf course in Watertown on a weekly basis and were nicknamed Team Adorable. Living without the love of her life was very difficult. This year was met with many medical hardships and hurdles. Shirley appreciated all the kind caregivers at Shorehaven and made many friends there. She kept them on their toes and was nicknamed Squirrely Shirley.

Memorials in Shirley’s name can be given to the local Watertown Humane Society.

Shirley is survived by her beloved children Carmen Rae (Joseph) Heiden, Patrick Voegeli, and Julie (Eric) Zeigler; grandchildren Nicholas Heiden, Brett Heiden (Amanda Zietlow – fiancée), Jesse Deming and Jenna Zeigler; and sister Alice Weaver. Shirley is also survived by other relatives and friends.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents; husband Walter; granddaughter Nadia; siblings Dorothy Kuehl, Ruth (Henry) Lehmann, and Leon Seefeldt; and other relatives.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church of Watertown with Rev. Jerry Ewings presiding. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the church. Shirley will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery following the service.