Shirley L. Purcell-Welter

PORTAGE  -- Shirley L. Purcell-Welter, age 53, of Portage, died Saturday, July 25, 2009 at University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, Wis.

Shirley, the daughter of Herman and Garnet (Atkinson) Purcell, was born August 2, 1955, in Decatur, Ill. After living in Illinois, Florida and Stoughton, Wis., Shirley moved to Portage, Wis., where she met her husband, Wayne Welter, of Portage. They were wed February, 23, 2008 at the Rosedale Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne, her children, Leah Purcell, of Portage, Jon LaDue, of Stoughton, grandson, Benjamin LaDue, 4, her sister, Mary “Lonette” Purcell, her step children, Bridget and Mercedes Welter, both of Portage, her step-grandchildren, Elexus, 5, and Jayden, 2, her nephew, Rob Harr; and other near relatives and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant daughter, Rebecca Sue.

Shirley was most known as a caring individual whose door was always open to the community. She had a heart for people in need and her pets, mostly cats and dogs. Professionally, Shirley excelled in sales and achieved success at businesses like American TV, Crescent Lighting, Isthmus Lighting and most recently, Slumberland Furniture in Beaver Dam.  She has volunteered for Habitat For Humanity and has worked with organizations like the Association of Retarded Citizens.

A memorial visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2009 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home, 430 West Wisconsin Street, Portage, Wis. Inurnment will be private.