Shirley Jane Hurst, Kaukauna, age 92, passed away Saturday, April 1, 2017 at St. Paul Elder Services. She was born August 29, 1924 to the late Norman Sr. and Erna (Specht) Gerhartz. In 1948 Shirley was happily married to her sweetie, George "Zulie" Hurst and they were able to enjoy 45 wonderful years of marriage. They both had resided in Kaukauna all of their lives. George preceded Shirley in death in 1993.

Shirley graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1942 and would have had her 75 ^th class reunion this June. She was always a fan of the Kaukauna High School and the Kaukauna Alumni. The Kaukauna Alumni honored Shirley with a dedication article in the May 1996 newsletter issue and it made her very happy. She had always spoken fondly of her 1942 classmates over the years.

Shirley moved from her Golden Venture Apartment to St. Paul Elder Services in 2010 and lived there for almost seven years. When family and friends wheeled her around the building she was greeted not only by many friendly staff members, but also by many Kaukauna visitors entering the building. St. Paul's was a perfect setting for our "social butterfly" Shirley. For several years she resided on Apple Tree Court and concluded her days by moving to Poppy Path. The staff on both units were the most loving and caring people at a nursing home that the family has ever encountered.

Shirley enjoyed her working days, her church, loved the Packers, golfing, bowling, traveling, reading, occasional exercise classes and doing good deeds for others … she was an expert at all of these things.

Shirley's faith and her church have always played a vital part in her life. She was a lifelong member of Immanuel United Church of Christ. While she was still able to physically participate in her church work, she was involved in the following: served the church school by first teaching the Primary Department and later becoming a co-superintendent with her sister for a total of 32 years, she sang with the Senior Choir for 50+ consecutive years, was the Senior Choir Treasurer, served on the Building Committee of the new sanctuary, and was active on the Board of Christian Education, Fellowship Team, and still participated in all church field trips and all church events.

Shirley was always gainfully employed during her healthy years. Her most recent position was that of Associate Cashier at the Bank of Kaukauna. She retired after 28 years of service, but again returned part-time to the bank in 1990 and did not retire until she was in her early 70's. Shirley had always been a "people person" and she certainly enjoyed working at the bank and dealing with the public.

Shirley was an avid baseball fan. Each summer, she and George attended the tournaments in Kaukauna and those held state-wide. They even attended a world baseball tournament and took a mini-holiday to Canada for even more professional baseball. Shirley and George were able to celebrate one of their wedding anniversaries on a wonderful three-week vacation, touring both Australia and Hawaii. They arrived home with many fond memories and tons of pictures.

Shirley was public service oriented all of her life and found many ways to be active in her community. Her involvement with some of these groups continued into her mid 80's. Shirley worked with John Lambie for many years as the Treasurer for Kaukauna Youth Baseball and was inducted into their Hall of Fame. She bowled in many leagues and was President of the Thursday Night League for many years. Shirley also had the honor of serving as the President of the 600 Club for a year and was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Central Fox Valley Bowling Association. Shirley was a Past President of the Kaukauna Hospital Auxilliary and the Past Matron of the Odile Chapter #184.

Shirley is survived by her sister and brothers-in-law: Mary and Jim Nussbaum and Harry Coenen. She is further survived by many dedicated nieces and nephews who were all very close to her, as witnessed by the love and attention they showed to her over the years.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband George; her siblings and their spouses: Nancy Coenen, Patricia and Lee Nagel, Don and Marie Gerhartz, Sr. and Norm and Rosalie Gerhartz, Jr.; and nephews, Greg Coenen and Steve Gerhartz.

A celebration of Shirley's life will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at IMMANUEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST (510 Sullivan St. Kaukauna). Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Gail Irwin will officiate. Committal Union Cemetery, Kaukauna. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Immanuel United Church of Christ.

To celebrate Shirley's love of the Packers, please dress casually and wear your favorite Packer clothing in honor of her love and interest for the team.