Shirley Chandler, 75 of Wausau, WI, entered eternal life on October 9, 2021, at House of Dove Hospice in Marshfield, WI.  Shirley was born on November 25, 1945, in Wausau, WI, to Arnold and Rose (Anderle) Chellberg.  She graduated Newman High School in 1963 and graduated St. Mary’s School of Nursing in 1966.  She married Gerald Chandler on April 21, 1968. He preceded her in death on August 3, 2020. 

Shirley was proud to give 46 years of skillful and compassionate care as a Registered Nurse.  Faith and family always came first.  She was a devout Christian, the most loving mother, and sweet doting grandmother.  Her favorite times were family gatherings, sharing a meal, playing games, endless laughter. Mom and Dad were present for all scouting events, cheering at games, track meets, music concerts, piano recitals, anywhere they could watch their kids and grandkids do what they love. Over their 52-year marriage, she and Jerry traveled the country and were particularly fond of their trips to the Southwest.  Mom loved doing jigsaw puzzles, especially with her beloved daughter Jessica.  She was a true a puzzle aficionado and avid Springbok collector.  She would never pass up an afternoon card game around the poker table with family and friends, her favorite music playlist on, often with a Sam’s or Angelo’s pizza break!  She enjoyed a trip to the casino and watching game shows, never missing an episode of Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune.

Shirley is greatly missed by her four loving children, sons Jon (Carrie) Chandler, Jason Chandler, Joel (Jennifer) Chandler, and daughter Jessica (Bradford) Putrus, six grandchildren who brightened the twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes, Caitlyn and Madison Chandler, Nicholas and Charles Handrick, and Myles and Julius Putrus, her sister Sharon (Hugh) Magnin, and brother Randy (Lynnette) Chellberg.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers Gene and Gary Chellberg. 

Our family wishes to thank Drs. Rezazadeh, Peterson, and Platta at Aspirus Cancer Center, and special thanks to all hospice staff for their tender care during Mom’s final weeks.  A great nurse recognizes a great nurse, and Mom met many through her life’s journey. 

The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at St. Anne Catholic Church, Wausau, WI.  Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter, WI.  Visitation will be held on Monday, October 18, 2021, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, WI, and at St. Anne Catholic Church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services.  Please feel free to join our family by wearing something pink to honor Mom’s valiant 12-year battle with metastatic breast cancer.  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements.  Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com