She was born on December 17,1936 in Rogers City to Erhardt and Louise (Schalk) Karsten.

Shirley married Donald Otto Wenzel on February 8, 1958 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Moltke township. Her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, he preceded her in death on January 27, 2018.

Together, they lovingly raised four daughters, surviving are Tamela (Anthony) Ventura of Canton, Terri Lynn (James) Orban of Suttons Bay, Annette (Curt) Vogelheim of Rogers City, and Amy (Mark) Pilarski of Traverse City, sixteen grandchildren ~ Bethany (Chris) Dembny, Bryan Budnick, Lauren Plath, Elly Moden, Holly Adams, Jared (Molly) Orban, Aaron Orban, Heather (Chad) Cook, Justin Vogelheim, Jenna (Judd) Vekaryasz, Evan Vogelheim, Ashley (Dante) Valentino, Joshua Pilarski, Ethan Pilarski, Anthony Ventura and Maria Ventura; twelve great-grandchildren Noah, Amelia and Hannah Dembny, Caige and Cannen Cook, Braylon Vogelheim, Avery Adams, Cruz Valentino, Cooper Moden, Harbor Rae Vekaryasz, Marley Orban and Cameryn Mitchell; sisters, Judy Stump and Connie (Rob) Hopp; and brothers, Butch Karsten and Jeff Karsten. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

She was also preceded in death by her parents Erhardt and Louise (Deed)) Karsten, sister Sharon Clark and sister-in-law Kathy Karsten.

Shirley was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Rogers City and joyfully participated in the church choir harmonizing with her beautiful alto voice! She participated in St. John’s Lutheran Ladies Aid, St. John Lutheran School functions, Vacation Bible School and was a Sunday School Teacher and director for over 35 years. She touched many children’s lives sharing her Christian faith and her steadfast love of Jesus.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt to her beloved family! She will be fondly remembered for her legacy of faith and family.

Shirley was a valued and dedicated loan officer for twenty-five years with Calcite Credit Union starting on August 6,1976 until her retirement on January 4, 2002.

Friends may visit at the Beck Funeral Home on Friday, December 10^th from 5-8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume at St. John Lutheran Church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of her funeral at 11 a.m. with Pastor David Weirauch officiating.

Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Shirley was a sailor’s wife and enjoyed long walks along the shores of picturesque Lake Huron and Seagull Point, scanning the water’s horizon for the Great Lakes fleet. She also enjoyed country Moltke drives and holiday celebrations. She especially cherished quality time with her beloved daughters and her dear grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Quote from beloved first-born granddaughter Bethany: “Gramma’s heart was so full of love, she had so much love to give out to everyone!”

Shirley received attentive and loving care while a resident at Orchard Manor, Posen for the past two years.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church/Sunday School or Orchard Manor.