Shirley Eske

Shirley Eske, 86, beloved wife and best friend of Walter Eske, passed into Eternity with her Lord on Saturday, Feb 8 at Marquart Health Center in Watertown. She was born on July 30, 1933, to Robert and Lillian Vinz, and grew up with nine siblings near Golden Lake in the Town of Concord. Shirley married the love of her life, Walter Eske, on June 27th, 1954. She followed Walter to Germany with the U.S. Army where their first child was born. After his discharge, they settled into dairy farming in Ashippun, WI and soon took over the Eske homestead where they farmed until 1989. Shirley enjoyed farm life, was a great wife, and lovingly raised five hard-working children. After the farm was sold, they lived in the Watertown area. Shirley loved exploring the countryside with Walter, and visits from her grandchildren. Shirley enjoyed most to have her family around her and share in their laughter and teasing. Her last days were filled with these sounds as her family gathered to say their goodbyes. Her bright smile, sly humor, and kind, sweet spirit will be missed by her family and all who knew her. Shirley is survived by her husband Walter, of Watertown, four children, including her son Randall (Lissa) Eske of Oconomowoc, daughter Wendy Eske of Watertown, daughter Lori (Donny) Dietz of Conover, WI, and son SGM Chad (Heidi) Eske currently stationed at Sumter, SC. She is further survived by nine grandchildren: Katryn Eske of Redding, CA, Kristyn (Daniel) Eske-Ballard of Winston Salem, NC, Cpt. John (Jessica) Eske of Nolensville, TN, Ericka (J.J. Lowell) Wild of Middleton, WI, Alexa Wild of Milwaukee, WI, SPC Jacob Wild stationed at Fort Campbell, KY, Willow Eske-Paquet of Sussex, Josh (Shannon) Kavalary of Fayetteville, NC, SGT Luke (Sarah) Kavalary stationed at Fort Wainwright AK, and two great-grandchildren: Benjamin Eske and Nya Ballard. Shirley is also survived by two siblings, Robert Vinz of Juneau, WI, and Janice (Lyle) Mantz of Slinger, WI. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, seven siblings, and her son Gary (aka Marshall) Eske. A funeral service for Shirley Eske will be held at River Valley Alliance Church in Watertown, Thursday, February 13 at 6:00 pm. Visitation will be from 4-6. A reception will follow the service. The church is located at 610 Welsh Rd in Watertown.