Shirley Mae Bessel, 91, passed away peacefully at Rennes Health & Rehab Center in De Pere, Wisconsin, on July 17, 2026.

Shirley was born in Madison, Wisconsin, on October 2, 1934, to the late Alvin and Eleanor (O'Brien) Oren.

Shirley was raised in Madison with her parents and two older sisters. She often joked that she was the baby of the family, the favorite, and got anything she wanted! She graduated from Madison West High School.

Shirley's mom always boasted that she handpicked all her sons-in-laws, and she introduced Shirley to Walter Bessel at the "Old Ball Park Bar." On June 26, 1954, Shirley and Walter were married, and, as their song said, they used that "kiss to build a dream on."

Shirley loved numbers and held accounting positions throughout the Madison area. She worked at Red Dot Potato Chips, the State of Wisconsin, and later handled payroll for Morton Nehls & Tierney (Octopus Car Wash), where she eventually retired.

Shirley and Walter had a deep love for their family and friends and always knew how to have a good time. They were proud members of the "Roigan Terrace Gang" in Monona, where they hosted neighborhood parties and formed lifelong friendships. Later, after purchasing their home on Sethne Court in Monona, everyone was welcome at their famous pool parties featuring spaghetti on the board, unforgettable Christmas celebrations in their finished basement, and countless Green Bay Packers parties.

In her later years, Shirley moved in with her daughter, Sue, and they eventually relocated to the De Pere area so they could both be closer to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shirley was known as "Grandma Shirl" to countless people because that's simply who she was. Her smile and sass were infectious! Her great-grandchildren held an especially special place in her heart, and she was fortunate to spend so much time with them. She was always ready to cook you dinner, bake you some cookies or a pie, and greet you with a warm hug and a great big smile!

She loved bowling with her team, "The 3 B's," watching the birds outside, playing video poker, her Green Bay Packers, and nobody had better deny her one of her beloved brandy Old Fashioneds!

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Susan Napstad; her granddaughter, Tammy (Bryan) Lewis; her three great-grandchildren, Jacob, Paige, and Mia Lewis; as well as her nieces, nephews, and countless family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Bessel; her parents, Alvin and Eleanor Oren; her sisters, Betty (Bob) Schaeffer and Mary Ellen (William) Kemnitz; and her son-in-law, Michael Napstad.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life for Shirley this fall in Green Bay during one of the Packers games. We invite everyone to come celebrate her life by cheering on her Green Bay Packers. Additional details will be shared at a later date.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Rennes Health & Rehab Center for the compassionate care they provided Shirley over the past several years, as well as Unity Hospice for their kindness and support.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a cause that Shirley would have supported.

Until we meet again, we love you "a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck."