Shirley Gunther

Shirley Ann Gunther was lifted with amazing grace from the arms of her loving family to her eternal resting place on September 3, 2021 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and graduated from North High School. As a young woman, she worked at St. Nicholas Hospital and as a switchboard operator for the local phone company. She enjoyed swimming along the Lake Michigan shoreline and loved to ice skate. She cherished weeks spent at her grandparents’ dairy farm. Shirley married Eugene Charles Gunther on May 8, 1948 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. They raised a family of nine children, with many trials and tribulations along the way. She was an avid reader, always encouraged higher education, and was well versed on current events. Shirley loved the Green Bay Packers, red chile, coffee, sweets, cooking and baking, travel, family gatherings, and listening to live music. She supported and encouraged her children’s musical endeavors. Her delicious German style potato salad recipe will not be forgotten. She had an excellent memory, was the keeper of family history, and enjoyed spending time and sharing recollections with her children and grandchildren. Shirley was a wonderful sister. She had a strong faith in Jesus Christ and was a long time parishoner of The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. She was a people person, well known for her positive attitude and welcoming personality. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Marcella Wilke, her husband, Eugene C. Gunther, and her son, Timothy Gunther. She is survived by eight children. Jane (Ralph) Castellano of Normal, IL, Mary (Dennis) Hoshijo of Colorado Springs, CO, Cheryl (Denis) Otero of Albuquerque, NM, Cynthia (Bruce) Walker of Sandia Park, NM, Eugene (Carolyn) Gunther, Jr. of Idaho Springs, CO, Theodore (Anita) Gunther of Albuquerque, NM, Marcy Gunther of Lakewood, CO and Beth (Thomas) Black of Jacksonville, AR, one sister, Patricia Sholund of Lancaster, CA, 19 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 7 nieces, 3 nephews, several cousins, and her companion chihuahua, Vato.

Please do not include lilies in any floral arrangements ordered. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.