Shirley Baneck

Shirley J. Baneck, 88, of Marathon, passed away June 20, 2023, with her family by her side at her son David’s home.

Shirley was born in Wausau on December 5, 1934, to parents William and Meta (Beckman) Beese. She married Merlin A. Baneck on November 24, 1951 in Wausau. Together they had three children, all of whom survive her. Shirley loved her family and enjoyed all the time spent with her family. She had a passion for gardening, being outdoors, reading mystery novels, and loved knitting, cross stitching, and crocheting. Shirley was the “strength” of the family; she was supportive of all who came to her. Her relationship with the Lord was very important to her and her family. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Debra (Tyler) Olson; sons, Robert A. (Barbara) Baneck and David A. (April) Baneck; granddaughter, Kristen (Robert) Wurth; grandsons, Robert W. Baneck, Shane (Jessica) Olson, David M. Baneck, and Jordan D. Baneck; great-granddaughters, Kaylee Wurth and Kara Wurth; great-grandsons, Andrew (Alisha) Baneck, Brandon Olson, and Malik Olson; great great-grandchildren, Ayden, Aeson, and Aldwyn Baneck; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlin Baneck; granddaughter, Tara Olson; and siblings, Gordon Beese, Anthony Beese, Lyle Beese, Myrtle Gappa, Selma Kittle, and Dorothy Baneck.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 pm Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1101 Elm Street, Wausau. The Rev. Mike Weaver will officiate. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the time of service at the church. Entombment will follow services at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. 

Shirley’s family wishes to thank the team at St. Croix Hospice, especially Lori and Shynia, for their care, love and compassion.