Shirley L Handschke

Shirley was born in Kansas and graduated from Rosedale HS, Kansas City, KS, where she met her husband, who preceded her in death on September 3, 2016, Clarence "Hank" Handschke. Of that union on August 28, 1954, they had two children, Henry and Deena.

Hank and Shirley also traveled the world, due in part to Hank’s 20+ year career in the Navy. Their lives were enriched by friends made in Kwajalein Atoll, Japan, and states such as Oklahoma, Georgia, Hawaii, Tennessee, California, and Wisconsin. Their later years found them in Texas, enjoying retired life in Siesta Retirement Village.

Her work career started as a clerk, then bookkeeper for a retail store at age 14, and ended as a computer programmer at Wausau Insurance Company in Wausau, Wisconsin. She was a planner, a forward thinker, and very organized, which allowed them to retire early.

In addition to keeping an active passport, Shirley was a news and political junkie. She enjoyed staying abreast of current affairs and seeking knowledge on policies that would impact the future, and she enjoyed sharing and discussing ideas. She was a proud Blue Dog Democrat.

She was a very active person who golfed, played tennis, played violin, cross-country skied, fished, biked, hiked, played cards and bingo, and enjoyed time socializing at the pool until her back failed her in 2022. She was always planning her next adventure. Nothing was left undone, and no hurdle was too high. She had a great sense of humor and found something to laugh about daily. She loved a road trip anywhere! She really enjoyed time with friends, and her face would light up when anyone visited.

Shirley was a very smart, strong, caring woman who showed her love through actions and was generous, and whenever she saw a need that she could assist, she did right up until the moment she passed. She loved spending time with family and friends and will be greatly missed. She constantly expressed what a good life she had lived. Hoping we all feel the same when our time comes.

The family would like to thank John Knox Village staff for making a bedridden life a life worth living. In her typical fashion, through example, she taught us you can have a good life no matter what obstacles, as long as you set your mind to it and keep yourself challenged and have the support and comfort of friends and family.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Alma and Henry Steinmetz, a sister, Annabelle McClelland, her husband Clarence Handschke, her son Henry Handschke, and her son-in-law, Thomas Oungst. She is survived by her daughter, Deena Oungst, daughter-in-law Jean Handschke of Weslaco, TX, and grandsons Nathaniel (wife, Kim) Handschke of Maple Grove, MN, and Nicholas (wife, Desiree) Handschke of Oconto Falls, WI, and two great-grandchildren, Willow and Wyatt Handschke of Maple Grove, MN.

No memorial service is planned at this time, and in lieu of memorial gifts, please make a donation to someone in need. That would make her legacy of giving a continued reality and no greater tribute to her life.