Shirley Jean (Kohls) Starck

Shirley Jean (Kohls) Starck, 88, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, under the care of hospice, after a courageous two-year battle with breast cancer.

Born Sept. 25, 1937, to Louis and Mabel Kohls, on the family farm in the Town of Arthur, Shirley grew up with a strong work ethic, a curious mind and an appreciation for family, that shaped the rest of her life.

She graduated from Cornell High School. Shirley would go on to achieve accomplishments that were uncommon for women of her generation, becoming a teacher, published author, photojournalist, historian, community leader and advocate.

She married the love of her life, Robert Starck Sr., June 7, 1958. Their story began, after she spotted his handsome photograph in a local newspaper, featuring his military service. They later met at a dance, at Rainbow Gardens and that chance meeting led to a marriage that spanned 67 wonderful years.

Together, they raised four children, in Racine and Cadott, and were longtime members of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Robert preceded her in death, May 3, 2026, just weeks before they would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.

While Shirley’s greatest joy was her family, she was also an accomplished woman, whose curiosity, creativity and love of learning, touched countless lives. She began her career, teaching special education, in Racine and Cadott, before becoming a photojournalist, for both the Cadott Sentinel and Chippewa Herald, where she told the stories of people, during life’s triumphs and hardships.

She believed every person had a story worth telling and she spent her life preserving those stories – through her journalism, her writing, her photography and her family’s history.

While researching her own family’s genealogy, she uncovered the remarkable story of her ancestors’ journey across the Atlantic, documenting the hardships they endured and the opportunities they found in America. This research inspired her passion for history and writing, and eventually led her to publish the children’s book, Gabrielle’s Gamble.

Shirley was an active member of the Chippewa County Republican Women’s Club, serving in several leadership roles, including president. She also devoted countless hours, to supporting homeless veterans in Chippewa County, work for which she received the Dave Zien Award. She was also actively involved with the Cadott Historical Society.

Creativity was woven into nearly everything Shirley did. She was an artist, photographer, quilter, seamstress, painter, silk flower arranger and gardener, whose beautiful flower beds brightened her home for years.

She loved decorating for every holiday – especially Christmas – and lovingly sewed personalized stockings for each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shirley was equally known for making people feel welcome. No one left her home hungry. Family and friends eagerly anticipated her copycat O& H Racine Danish layer cake, homemade pies, cookies and countless other treats prepared with love.

Even in her late 80’s, Shirley was still dreaming up new projects, planning her next creative endeavor, eagerly awaiting the arrival of another great-granddaughter and looking forward to spending time with those she loved.

Above every accomplishment, however, Shirley considered her family to be her greatest blessing. She remained deeply involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The loss of her first-born grandson, Shaun, in 2010, was a heartbreak she carried every day, keeping his photograph close, in a heart-shaped locket.

Her grandchildren will forever remember the beautiful penmanship in every birthday and Christmas card, signed simply, “Love you, Gram.”

She delighted in traveling near and far, to celebrate graduations, weddings and milestones, and she especially cherished Christmas gatherings, when the entire family could be together. Motherhood was Shirley’s greatest calling, and becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother only multiplied that joy.

Shirely treasured every opportunity to hold the newest babies, celebrate life’s milestones and simply be surrounded by the people she loved.

She is survived by her children – Robert Jr. (Janet), Richard (Jenny), Susan (Kim) Vrana and Sheryl (Dennis) Van Gruensven; her grandchildren – Erin (Scott) Liebelt, Jenna Starck (Ward Dobbs), Ricki (Stacey) Starck, Brittany (Jordan) Allan, Kelsey Vrana, Ryder (Mallory) Starck, Cameron (Lindsey) Vrana, McKinsey (Cole) Eron and Brooklyn Van Gruensven; her great-grandchildren – Gabbi, Griffin, Thea, Juniper, Josie, Sterling and Finnegan; her siblings – Delores Larson, Alan Kohls and Kathleen Lawrence; and many beloved nieces; nephews; cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband – Robert William Wayne Starck Sr.; her parents – Louis and Mabel Kohls; her siblings – Norman, Melvin, Duane, Beverly and Helen Kohls; and her cherished grandson – Shaun Robert Starck.

Shirley will be remembered for her steadfast Christian faith, generous heart, creativity, love of history, birds and Shelties, appreciation for beauty, patriotism and unwavering devotion to family.

She leaves behind far more than cherished memories. Through the stories she preserved, the traditions she created, the beauty she brought into everyday life and the love she poured into her family, her legacy will continue, for generations to come.

Services were at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 5, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cadott, with the Rev. Robert Hopkins officiating. Visitation was at St. John’s, prior to the services, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Interment followed, at the Countryside Union Cemetery, in the Town of Goetz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church.

The family extends a heartfelt gratitude to St Croix Hospice and the staff, at Chippewa Manor.

Online condolences may be expressed, at www.leiserfuneralhome. com. Leiser Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Cadott, is assisting the family.