Shirley Mae (Olsen) Knapp

Shirley M. Knapp, age 87 of Clintonville, formerly of the Town of Bear Creek, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, May 8, 2019 at Kindred Hearts of Clintonville. 

Shirley Mae Olsen was born January 23, 1932 in Norway, MI to the late George and Irene (Hooper) Olsen. At the age of four, she moved with her family to Clintonville. She graduated from Clintonville High School and was united in marriage to Earl Knapp at the First Methodist Church, Clintonville on June 24, 1950. The couple lived their entire married life in the rural Bear Creek area. Shirley had worked at Baker Canning Co., A&W Drive In, Hansen Glove Factory, and many years in the office of Urban Telephone Corp., as well as farming and homemaking. She was a former 4-H leader, Starlite Galaxy Bowling League Pres., Vice Pres. of Waupaca County Extension Homemakers (a member since 1951), member of HCE Home Hobby and Calories & Calories Homemaker Clubs. She also held various offices over the years (including Pres.) of the Clintonville Woman’s Club. Shirley was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church, Clintonville, where she served many years on education, music, and worship committees, volunteer music librarian and stayed active with the Chancel Choir since the age of 12. She was fortunate enough to tour Europe and US locales as member and soloist with NAFCE-HCE Wisconsin Friendship Chorus. Shirley enjoyed singing, writing poetry, all creative handwork, reading, and volunteer work. Her family was her biggest joy. Shirley was grateful to anyone who gave her the opportunity to use her God-given talents. 

She is survived by her:
Daughter: Mary (Robert) Lettau, Bear Creek
Granddaughters: Lisa (Scott) Tousey, Oconto; Lea (Jon) Guse, Appleton; & Lori (Ronald) Reeck, De Pere.
Step-grandchildren: Brian (Sheri) Lettau, Manawa & Bonnie (Roy Wiskow) Lettau, Clintonville
Great-grandchildren: Kalyn (Zach Lehr), Phillip, Brandon, Brennan, Jessica, Kyle & Madelyn Mae
Step-great-grandchildren: Steven, William, & Gavin
Great-great-grandchildren: Zen & Karma
Brother: Glen “Ray” (Betty) Olsen
Sisters-in-law: Joyce Granado, Shirley (Darwin) Higgins, & Delores Knapp
Many nieces, nephews, & friends

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl; her parents; a son Daniel Knapp, a sister, Lenore, in infancy; parents-in-law, Oscar & Bertha Knapp; brothers-in-law, Garland Knapp, Edward Pahl, & Jesus Granado. 

Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Monday, May 13, 2019 at the United Methodist Church, Clintonville, with the Rev. Diana Ziegler officiating. Interment will take place at Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville.

Friends may call at the church on Monday from 9 AM until the time of the service.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting her family.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.