Shirley Jean Kortendick

Shirley Jean Kortendick, age 86, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2025, at Angels Grace Hospice, surrounded by her cherished family. She was born on May 26, 1938, in Nekoosa,Wisconsin, to Clarence and Mildred Allworden. Shirley was a proud lifelong resident of Wisconsin,making Oconomowoc her home for 62 years.

Shirley spent her early years in Milwaukee, where she attended McKinley Elementary School and Girls Technical High School. On September 13, 1958, Shirley married the love of her life, Kenneth J.Kortendick, Sr. at St. Joan of Arc in Okauchee, WI. They were married for 44 yrs and 11 months before Ken passed. Together, they built a warm and nurturing home in Oconomowoc, where they raised six wonderful children who carry forward her legacy of love and compassion. Shirley embraced her role as a housewife with grace, dedicating her life to her family and creating a haven filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories. In her early years, Shirley worked at a local candy store where she learned to make her fudge that everyone looked forward to at the holidays and Gimbels Dept Store where she clerked and modeled clothes. Later, as her children grew, she took on roles at Oconomowoc Canning and Oconomowoc Manufacturing, contributing to the community she loved.

Shirley found delight in the simple pleasures of life. She loved playing bingo, rummages and flea markets, gardening and listening to her favorite old country music while relaxing on her porch, and watching the beauty of nature as birds and wildlife passed by. Family camping trips and gatherings were treasured times. Also times spent at friends cabins with her husband enjoying nature, fishing,listening to the loons and spending time with friends brought smiles and laughter to their lives. An avid baker, Shirley’s cakes were always the star of family and friends celebrations. Shirley also looked forward to attending the American Legion concerts by the beach on Wednesday nights, where she reveled in the music and company of friends and loved ones.

Shirley's greatest joy came from being surrounded by her family. She took immense pride in attending her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's events, where her spirit and enthusiasm were always on full display. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched with her unwavering support and unconditional love.

Shirley is survived by her children Kenneth Kortendick, Jr. (Sandy Heimer), Debra (Kevin) Bresnehan, Susan (John) Schunk, Pamela (James) Green and Roxanne (Kenneth) Block; daughter-in-law Wendee Kortendick; grandchildren Sarah (Roger) Nissen, Shawn (Sara) Bresnehan, Jodi (Ben) Shelhammer, Justin Kortendick, Jenna (Jake) Yingling, Nicholas Green (Amanda), Mitchell Green, Abraham Schunk, Abbie (Antonie) Ziegler, Travis (Ashley) Kortendick, Tonya (Nick) Esser, Terry (Nick) Lord, Natalie Abendroth (Scott) and Nichole (Dennis) Gunst. She is also survived by 29 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and other family and friends.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Kortendick, Sr.; son Timothy Kortendick; parents Clarence and Mildred Allworden; sisters Yvonne Brunner and Gloria Knox; great-grandson Hayden Nissen and grand-daughter-in-law Rose (Elizabeth) Green.

The family invites friends and loved ones to join in celebrating Shirley's life during a visitation at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (NEW LOCATION: 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066) on Saturday, March 29, from 11 AM to 1 PM. A service will follow, officiated by Pastor Wes Werner.

Following the service, Shirley and her beloved husband Kenneth will be laid to rest together at Glenview Memorial Gardens in Ixonia, where they will forever be united in spirit.