Shirley E. Wiitala

Shirley E. Wiitala, age 86, of Rib Lake, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at Rib Lake Health Services in Rib Lake. Shirley was born in Rib Lake on April 8, 1938, to the late Julius and Alvina (Vachnitz) Golder. She married Ardin Wiitala, Sr., on Aug. 4, 1954, and they celebrated their 70th anniversary together on Aug. 4, 2024. They had met at Zondlo’s Ballroom, and back in the day it was the place to be, the place to dance, and the place for romance. They originally settled at the Wiitala homestead in Westboro, in Finn country. They moved to Rib Lake in 1967 and resided at the end of RR1 Box 156A, which later became Otter Lane (mom never saw an otter).

Shirley worked at the Rib Lake Nursing Home for 44 years, the old and new facility, where she was a mentor for so many younger workers to provide passionate palliative care for those in need. Other work throughout the years included Gem Products Shoe Factory for 13 years, Northern Kitchens (“Yikes,” she said), and for Beverly Enterprises Nursing Care in Nevada for a year and a half. We will not forget the years of hard work raising her many, many children, giving her time, providing food, clothing, and shelter for her family, as well as many other young relatives and kids that showed up at Shirley’s doorstep.

1938-2025

They, too, soon called her mom.

She loved being a mother, but she really loved being a grandmother. Her eyes would brighten when her children brought the grandchildren home. Donuts were always within her grandchild’s reach with hugs and snuggles to follow. She would make your breakfast to order with their homemade maple syrup from the Sugar Shack with fresh coffee all day. The kitchen was a place for reminiscing, sharing stories, and telling plans of the future while eating her delicious food.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 70 years, Ardin Wiitala Sr.; her nine children, Bobby Wiitala (Diana Deboth), Larry Wiitala (Lori), Donna Fuchs (Richard), Smokey Wiitala (Nancy), Susie Rasmussen (Gary), Mary Harder (Glenn), Kenny Wiitala (Grace), Ronnie “Hermie” Wiitala (Kris), and Adam Wiitala (Giovanni). She is further survived by 29 grandchildren, 39 greatgrandchildren, with two on the way, and eight greatgreat- grandchildren. Stay tuned for more! She was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Alvina; and her 17 brothers and sisters. Mom was the 18th child and she was the baby and last surviving child.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church in Rib Lake, at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends for visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. A meal and celebration of life gathering with music will follow at Zondlo’s Ballroom. Interment will be held at a later date. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family. You may view Shirley’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com.

Paid Obituary 164333

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