Shirley Jean Chase's Obituary
Shirley Jean (Goyke) Chase died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on June 22, 2020.
Shirley was born at home on February 22, 1931, to Rose and Mike Goyke. She attended Howlett School in the Town of Black Wolf and then Oshkosh High School where she met the love of her life, Alan Chase. They were married on July 2, 1949.
Shirley and Alan traveled twice to live in California, but returned to Oshkosh to raise their family.
Shirley aspired to be a teacher, but did not attend college or secure an official teaching certificate. It doesn’t matter. Shirley was one of our most important teachers. Shirley was nice. She taught us all what true kindness looks like, sounds like, feels like. Shirley saw only the good in everyone and everything. She loved people. - family, friends, the guy at the paint store, and anyone else who lived and breathed.
Shirley’s life was filled with love and laughter. She golfed, danced, met regularly with the ”homewreckers,” and cheered for the Packers. She threw a heck of a Fourth of July party complete with live entertainment and fabulous food. Shirley was a charter member of Calvary Lutheran Church. She enjoyed quilting, bible studies and playing in the chime choir.
Her endless notebooks recalled the highlights of her days and her calendar was filled with plans for the future - hair appointments, birthday reminders, her annual trip to Mexico. Shirley never passed up an opportunity to enjoy a bowl of butter pecan ice cream, go for a boat ride or play in the lake with Lincoln, Isaac and Eliza.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Rose and Mike Goyke, her brother John Goyke, and her dear Alan. Among the many who will miss her are her children - Jim (Linda) Chase, Kathy (Jeff) Horejs and Jon (Sally) Chase; grandchildren - Nick Griese, Ben and Brianna Chase, Andy Coumbe, Libby (Nick) Robarge; great-grandchildren - Lincoln, Issac and Eliza Robarge. Shirley is also survived by her sister Ruth Kitz and her nephews Mike Kitz, Tom (Sue) Kitz and Jeff Kitz.
A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at a later date when hugs and tears are safe to share. Until then, in her honor, put on your rose colored glasses and see the world as Shirley did.
What’s your fondest memory of Shirley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shirley?
Share a story where Shirley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shirley you’ll never forget.
How did Shirley make you smile?