Shirley Gillespie

Shirley Gillespie, 77 of DeSoto, died Tuesday, September 7, 2010. Shirley A. Gillespie 77, formerly of De Soto passed away Tuesday September 7, 2010 at Bethany Riverside Care Center in La Crosse. She was born July 2, 1933 in Viroqua, WI to Wilbur and Irene (Olson) Arneson and was a 1951 graduate of Viroqua High School. On March 1, 1952 she married Patrick J. Gillespie at Fort Hood, TX. After Patricks return from the Korean War they made their home in De Soto, WI raising six children and occasionally providing a temporary home to children who needed a place to live.Shirley served as teller and cashier for over 30 years at De Soto State Bank. She was an active member of the Sacred Heart Parish in De Soto and a member of the Sacred Heart Altar Society.Shirley enjoyed her position as the mayors wife for over 25 years and was active in the De Soto community. Always a gracious hostess, she loved to host events at her home for family and friends.Shirleys warm and friendly personality made all who were around her feel that they were a special person in her life. Always engaging, she involved all she met in pleasant conversation. She had a passion for reading, shopping and walking, especially the walks she shared with her son Dan. She is survived by one daughter Jayne Rifenberg of Wisconsin Rapids, four sons, Michael (Laurie) of Holmen, John (Lori) of Gays Mills, Timothy (Marjorie) of De Soto and Joseph (Sandra) of De Soto, one daughter in law Michelle of Genoa, seventeen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters, Betty (Dick) Robertson and Jean Sandry of De Soto, Karen (Bob) Friend of Florida, stepfather Merlin Schroeder of De Soto and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and dear friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Irene and Wilbur Arneson, her husband Patrick, an infant daughter, one son Daniel Gillespie, one grand daughter Kaitlin Gillespie, brother Richard Arneson; and brother-in-law Gerald Sandry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at St. Charles Catholic Church in Genoa. The Rev. Msgr. Robert Hundt will celebrate the Mass. The family requests memorials in lieu of flowers and plants. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to granddaughter, Stephanie Austin, for all of her generous time and support with the loving caretaking of Grandma Shirley. We appreciate all you have done. The family would like to give special thanks for the excellent care given to Shirley by the staff at Bethany Riverside/Lighthouse. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of DeSoto is serving the family.