Shirley Ann Willems, age 90, of De Pere, WI passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025 with family by her side. She was born in Green Bay, WI on June 18, 1934 to Olaf and Cecelia (Vandehey) Flaten. After graduating high school from the former St. Joseph's Academy for Girls in 1951, she worked as a secretary for a Green Bay law firm. In 1953 she married Gerald Willems of De Pere.

Shirley volunteered as a library aide at St Joseph's parish and school (now Our Lady of Lourdes) in De Pere and later at St Mary's hospital. She worked in retail at various stores and for many years as a teacher's aid at Westwood Elementary School in De Pere. She thoroughly enjoyed her time at Westwood, especially when she worked one-on-one with students. Shirley was an avid reader and crossword puzzler all her life. In the 80's and 90's you could find Shirley and her family on the cross country ski trails around Green Bay, or near her cottage at Crooked Lake. Her most favorite activity was socializing. She loved meeting people and having conversations. Most of all, her time was dedicated to her family as she attended every event her children and grandchildren ever participated in.

Shirley is survived by her children: Pam Willems (Jeff Czyzewski), Paul (Mary Calaway), Julie (Chuck Main), Bob (Lorene Leister) and Chuck (Sarah Shaw); 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and sister Joan Williquette.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald Willems; son Chris Willems; grandson Brandon Willems; brother Gene Flaten; sisters Gloria Peters and Patsy Walus; brothers-in-law Jerry Peters, Dan Williquette, Ozzie Walus; and sister-in-law Peggy Flaten.

The immediate family will have a private ceremony at Shirley's internment at Allouez Mausoleum this summer.