SHANNON LEE BANGERT's Obituary
Shannon Lee Bangert (nee O’Grady), 52, found peace on Friday, July 17, 2020 surrounded by family. Devoted wife of 11 years to Donald. Beloved daughter of Tom and Vicki O’Grady and daughter-in-law of Donald Sr. and Jacqueline Bangert. Treasured sister of Bridget (David) Ashenhurst and sister-in-law of Wendy (Jaret) Sahr. Step sister-in-law of Salvatore Friedel, Elliot (Jenny) Friedel, Peter (Leslie) Okkerse and Megan Okkerse. Loving aunt to Sean and Logan Ashenhurst and Ezra Sahr. Loving “mother” of cat, Fajita. Further survived by many extended family members and close friends.
Shannon attended St. Mary’s Springs High School, where she was a member of: cross country, track, choir and the swing choir, plays and musicals. She graduated in 1986. Her love of running and exercise continued after high school, and she became an avid member of the YMCA. After weightlifting for several years, she competed in and won several weightlifting competitions. Fitness was extremely important to Shannon throughout her lifetime. Sometime after her cancer diagnosis in 2012, she participated in the Livestrong Cancer Program at the YMCA. When she could no longer run, Shannon would often use her exercise bike, weights or bungee cords so she could stay in excellent physical shape..
In the summers throughout high school and college Shannon was a counselor at a camp for the physically disabled and worked for the Winnebago County Association for Disabled Citizens. In addition, she tutored for Project Success and worked at the River Commons Children’s Center.
Shannon attended UW-Oshkosh and was part of the Project Success program for dyslexic students. She graduated and received a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Learning Disabilities. Shannon received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence at UW-Oshkosh, an award given based on her academic performance and university and community service and she also received the Project Success Award of Courage. Shannon accepted having dyslexia and made it her strength to help others with the same disability as an Orton-Gillinham method tutor. She always received the highest of praise from the parents of those she tutored. She established her own tutoring business, which she was extremely proud to have built, which continued for over 20 years.
Shannon met Donald Bangert Jr. through the St. Raphael’s Catholic Singles Club and married at the church in 2009. The two made their home in Oshkosh, WI.
Those who knew Shannon will remember her for her positive, upbeat personality. She could talk to absolutely anyone and was such a kind soul. Shannon enjoyed watching sports, not only her nephews’ middle school, high school and Special Olympics activities, but also the Packers, Badgers, Bucks, and any college or NBA basketball game. At her nephews’ sports competitions you could always hear Auntie Shannon cheering from the stands as their biggest fan.
Shannon was a member of the St. Raphael’s choir and was in a Bible Study group. She was one of the most faith-filled, caring, and courageous people one could ever meet. Shannon enjoyed attending concerts of various genres at Life Fest, Country USA, and the Winnebago County Fairgrounds.
Shannon’s favorite place in the world was her parents’ cottage up north in Neshkoro, WI. She loved swimming, paddle boating, kayaking, and boating on Spring Lake. The family shared a special memorable July 4th weekend together with Shannon this summer.
Shannon is preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Candance Bangert, grandparents, cats Whiskers and Carmen, and other relatives and friends. She will be missed by many, but is now at peace and is no longer in pain.
The family would like to thank the staff members at University Hospital in Madison and the Fond du Lac Agnesian Cancer Center for their valiant efforts in fighting Shannon’s cancer. A heartfelt thank you must also be given to the Fond du Lac Agnesian Hospice staff for the care and compassion given that helped Shannon to live her last few weeks comfortably at home, surrounded by family.
Services will be held on Friday, July 24th at St. Raphael’s Church in Oshkosh. Visitation is from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and a mass will immediately follow. Due to the pandemic, friends and family are asked to please wear a mask and social distance in the church, sitting with close family members or friends only. Donations can be made to American Cancer Society, Special Olympics of Wisconsin-Team Franklin, or Oshkosh Area Humane Society.
"A child must know that she is a miracle. That since the beginning of time there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be another child like her."
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