Shirley M. Kowaleski

Shirley M. (Charles) Kowaleski, 80, passed away on the morning of September 10, 2026. She was born in Luxemburg, WI to Richard and Marie (Hermans) Charles on May 24, 1946. After attending local schools, Shirley received her degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay and went to work for Fisher-Hamilton in Two Rivers as an accountant and payroll manager. It was while attending a baseball game in high school that Shirley met James Carl Kowaleski and the rest was history. They were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Luxemburg on October 6, 1962 and remained together until James’s passing. Their journey began in Green Bay, and then Bay Settlement, before finally putting down roots in Mishicot where they settled in 1976 and together raised two beloved sons.

After welcoming her sons Craig and Curt, Shirley spent more than a decade as a stay-at-home mother to raise them and maintain the household. She encouraged her sons in all of their ventures – particularly sports – and made every opportunity available to them that she could. Shirley also understood what it meant to be the coach’s wife and was dedicated and supportive in that role for James. Her love and devotion for her family was ever-present and unwavering.

Shirley enjoyed sewing – hand making countless outfits including wedding suits and Halloween costumes. She was also a lover of cats. Perhaps above all, Shirley will be remembered for her self-less nature, care and consideration for others, and for being a beacon of positivity for those around her. Her motto was “There is always room for ice cream!”

Shirley leaves behind her two beloved sons: Craig (Kay) Kowaleski of Green Bay and Curt (Lori) Kowaleski of Le Sueur, MN; her four dear grandchildren: Kelsey (Mike) Ross of Luxemburg, Cassandra (Andrew) Cymmer of Luxemburg, Zachary Kowaleski of Austin, TX, and Allyson (Matt) Terrance of Golden Valley, MN; as well as six adored great-grandchildren: Jackson, Adalyn, Robin, Harrison, Cooper, and Charlie. She is also survived by her five siblings: Lyle (Mary) Charles, Lenny (Judy) Charles, Ricky (Chris) Charles, Terry (Don) DeBroux, and Bruce Charles. She was preceded in death by her husband: James; and her parents: Richard and Marie Charles.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 15 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mishicot. Prior to the Mass, the family will receive visitors at the church from 9:00 – 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Lambert-Eckert Funeral Home of Mishicot is assisting the family with arrangements.