Shirley (Grover) Bernhagen

Shirley Bernhagen, 87, passed away August 24, in Corpus Christi, TX. Shirley was born in Junction City, WI, August 22, 1935, to parents Wallace Grover and Ann (Pulchinski).

Shirley graduated from Rudolph High School in 1953. She married William (Bill) Bernhagen June 19, 1954, and they raised a family of five sons while operating the family Chevrolet dealership. Bill and Shirley acquired sole ownership of the dealership from Bill's father in 1969. Bernhagen Chevrolet was sold in 1996 when Bill decided to retire.

Shirley began her work life after high school at Sentry Insurance as an IBM Statistical Tabulator Operator. After that, and having five boys, many people knew her as the Kennedy Elementary School secretary (1968-1978). She would go on to work for a variety of companies (Mid-State VTAE Outreach Center, Worzalla Publishing Co., Zimpro) in between helping at Bernhagen Chevrolet, but her passion was her career as a travel agent. This was a later-in-life career of which she was very proud, and continued to work at into her 70s.

Bill and Shirley loved living on Lake Dubay, loved following and traveling along with NASCAR driver and family friend Dave Marcus and loved their family and friends. They were known for their Halloween parties and overall being great entertainers.

Shirley is survived by her sister, Christine (Harry) Hilgers; sons Cliff (Mary), Junction City, WI; Dan, New London, WI; William (Fancy) Portland, TX; daughters-in-law, Clare and Gale. Nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren with one on the way.

She was proceeded in death by two sons, Alan (Clare), Bruce (Gale); her infant brother, Wallace Leroy; and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Grover.

The family wishes to recognize the caring staff at The Palms Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where she spent the last year of her life, her roommate Pam Pond, and her devoted aide, Crystal Wright.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Wisconsin.
 

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