Shirley Elizabeth Harrold

Shirley Elizabeth Harrold, 73, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on October 12, 2024. Glioblastoma, an incurable brain cancer, took her life one year after diagnosis. She was born on August 31, 1951 in Watertown, to Lawrence and Juanita Mills Hey Newman. Shirley is survived by her husband Gregory J Harrold, her four children Nathan (Amber), Bennett (JoLin), Kylie (Shawn Moulton), Eliza (Jeff Lindholm), and her 10 grandchildren Brynn, Cora, Kinley and Beckett Harrold; Baea and Kylin Harrold; Malcolm and Milo Moulton; Wally and Lottie Lindholm. She is also survived by her siblings Annette Sather, Suzanne (Duane) Marklein, Ardith (Tom) Bergerud, Larry Newman, John (Cathy) Newman, Mark Newman, Paul (Lisa) Newman. She was preceded in death by her parents Al and Juanita Newman. 

Shirley spent her formative years growing up in Delafield, and proceeded to graduate from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in education. She later earned her graduate certification in learning disabilities and reading recovery. She taught in the Genesee Depot, Rhinelander, AV-W and Tomahawk school systems for many years. 

Shirley married Greg Harrold on August 9, 1975 in Delafield. After settling initially in Milwaukee, they relocated to Minocqua in 1976. In 1979, after their first child was born, Shirley devoted her time raising, loving and nurturing her children and friends’ children in playgroups in their family home. She loved to teach children, especially about reading, music and nature. She had strong beliefs and she instilled them continuously in her family. 

She was a devoted charter member of Ascension Lutheran Church where she fulfilled numerous roles, including youth religious ed director, church council, choir, bell choir, christmas program director and sunday school teacher. Shirley’s lifelong love for music was expressed in her guitar play; singing with the “Lovin’ Tunefuls” at local assisted living facilities; participating in community choir and family reunions. Shirley actively participated in her children’s education by supporting their teachers and school activities, serving as president of MHLT PTO and hosting numerous foreign exchange students over the years. Her special reading recovery skills helped launch a new program at AVW. 

At home, Shirley loved nature, gardening, cooking gourmet food from scratch, and staying active by hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking and playing tennis. She loved to read and was active in a book club. She made a wide variety of life-long friends while engaging in these activities.

Shirley had unlimited energy and love for her children and grandchildren which she exhibited in many private ways. She wasn’t afraid to say “no” and when she said it she meant it. She was dearly loved and will be missed by so many.

A memorial service for Shirley will be held on Oct. 19 at 11 a.m., preceded by family visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church in Minocqua. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be sent to Ascension Lutheran Church, Luther College, or ELCA World Hunger. 

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com. Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.