Shirley Gleason

Shirley J. Gleason, 77, was born September 19, 1943 to the late Harold and Loretta (Eckes) Prieve. She passed away September 17, 2021 at Marshfield Medical Center- Weston surrounded by her family. Shirley married her high school sweetheart and life-long love, Merritt Gleason, on January 28, 1961. They were married 58 years before he passed away on January 17, 2019.

For years, Shirley helped Merritt on the family farm, mostly driving the tractor for baling hay. In their early farming days, they would also cut and haul wood to the papermill in Rothschild. Merritt and Shirley owned some of the first snowmobiles in the area and were members of several snowmobile clubs. Shirley was also very involved in the Ringle community as she served for many years at the town hall on voting day as well as part of the Ringle Sportsman’s Club. Shirley’s most important full-time job was as a stay-at-home mom and raising four children. Once the kids were grown, Shirley then went to work at the Schofield Auto Auction as the cook. She eventually worked full-time at Eastbay when it was a family-owned business. She loved working there and loved talking with coworkers and customers every day. Eventually, Shirley retired from Eastbay and helped raise the next generation. She loved being a grandma and loved to babysit for each of her five grandchildren, often more than one at a time.

Shirley was all about family! She enjoyed watching all of the kids play sports as they were growing up and coached many 4-H basketball teams. She loved watching the Milwaukee Brewers as well. She was very involved in the Market Animal Show and Sale where she was a member of the animal weigh-in committee. She looked forward to watching her kids and grandkids show their animals at the fair every year. Shirley loved to bake and cook. The more she could cook for, the better. Her homemade bread and Thanksgiving dressing were some of the best! She also enjoyed bowling, knitting, and late-night swims in the pool.

Shirley is survived by her children Deb (Lynnea) Gleason, Mike (Lisa) Gleason and Sue (Tim) Walter. Her grandchildren Samantha, Brian and Brett Gleason, and Matthew and Aiden Walter. She is also survived by her sister Mary Beth Tolley (Butch Bliese), brother Terry (Mary) Prieve, sisters-in-law Sharon and Carol Prieve, brother-in-law Jack Gleason and several nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by Merritt, her parents, son Brian, father-in-law John Gleason, brothers Kenneth and Patrick Prieve, brother-in-law Emmet Gleason, nephews Andy and Kevin Prieve and nieces Melissa Fleming and Lisa Gleason.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 21, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Brainard Funeral Home- Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Brainard Funeral Home- Everest Chapel with visitation beginning at 9:30 am. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. The service will be livestreamed and recorded for those unable to attend and can be accessed here.

Our family wishes to thank Dr. Bart Isaacson as well as Sherri and Sarah from Lakeland Care for their compassionate care over the years.