- Memorial Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 from 9am-11am at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (9200 S. 27th St. Oak Creek Wi)
- Memorial service will be held immediately following the visitation at 11am at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (9200 S. 27th St. Oak Creek Wi)
Shirley Ann Proesel (nee Arndt)
Devoted Wife, Mother, and Grandmother, Shirley Proesel, 90, died peacefully the morning of June 15th, 2026. Shirley Ann was born February 27th, 1936, to Laura “Toots” Kitzman and Arthur “Tuffy” Arndt. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, attended Big Falls grade school and graduated from Marion High School in 1954. The heart of her childhood was the Arndt family store. On August 10th, 1957, Shirley married James Edward Proesel in Milwaukee. The couple lived in Oak Creek until the summer of 1998 when they moved to Waterford, Wi.
After retiring from General Motors in 1993, Shirley was always on the go. She was an active member of the UAW Local 75 retirees’ group. There were RV road trips with Jim. Gambling excursions became a Proesel family tradition, especially Colorado Belle Casino in Laughlin, NV. She never hit it big, so chatting with whoever sat next to her made her day. A special journey with the VanNuland family to Ellis Island. Winters in the Florida sunshine. Countless rummages and thrift stores. She was a devoted Green Bay fan who understood the importance of wearing Packer gear on every game day. The camper at Sheltering Oaks Campground, where Chicago Bears fan neighbors became good friends. She loved going back home for MHS class reunions. Shirley found joy in spending time with family, travel, neighborhood parties, antiques, sparkly jewels, happy hour, playing cards, and making friends. Shirley truly never met a stranger.
She is preceded in death by parents Laura and Arthur Arndt, dearest aunt Evelyn Chiles, stepfather Jacob VanNuland, beloved brother Dennis Arndt, son Bruce Proesel, daughter Leiann Bachand, and loving husband of 65 years, Jim. She is survived by her children David (Terry) Proesel, Jim (Karen) Proesel, son-in-law Bill Bachand, grandchildren Kristen (Justin) Hendrickson, Nicole (Tim) Halverson, Lisa Proesel, Cori Biersteker, Kevin Biersteker, Brandon Proesel, great- grandchildren; Tyler Proesel, Brynn Hendrickson, Tess Hendrickson, and Evee Voit, as well as many other family and friends.
Just like her mom, Shirley was a loving and gentle lady. She touched everyone she met with kindness and tenderness. Our lives have been made richer for her presence among us.
Thank you for calling to advise us of Shirley’s loss. Sadly we were unable to drive up to Oak Creek to do lunch after her last move there. We spent lots of lunches & card games with the couple after we met them in East Troy. We made lots of trips out to the Mississippi to the river boats when they first became available back in the day. We made some trips to the basemall games when the Cubx & Brewers played each other. Tailgated in our respective shirts. We drew a lot of comments about our friendships in Milwaukee. Our sincere condolences to your wholefamily.
So many wonderful memories of her and Jim at our Van Nuland get togethers at Grandma and Grandpa’s (Jake and Laura) homes in Tigerton and Appleton! God Bless you Shirley!
Oh Shirley – so many cousin memories in Big Falls!! You always “dragged” me along for ballgames and swimming at the falls., like a big sister I never had. There were 14 of us Arndt cousins – that leaves 3 of us left – my brother John Kaminski , myself and Dan Rystrom.
Our folks were a family of 9 siblings . We will all be together again someday!!
Many fond memories of Jim & Shirley throughout the years. Big Falls, Waterford, Oak Creek, Minocqua and all our special family reunions. Brother Jim Rystrom also had many fond memories of Jim & Shirley. We also have fond memories and fun times at the Big Falls Corn Roast. Rest in peace dear Shirley. You will be missed.
Many fond memories of Jim & Shirley throughout the years. Big Falls, Waterford, Oak Creek, Minocqua and all our special family reunions. Brother Jim Rystrom also had many fond memories of Jim & Shirley. We also have fond memories and fun times at the Big Falls Corn Roast. Rest in peace dear Shirley. You will be missed.
Many fond memories of Jim & Shirley throughout the years. Big Falls, Waterford, Oak Creek, Minocqua and all our special family reunions. Brother Jim Rystrom also had many fond memories of Jim & Shirley. We also have fond memories and fun times at the Big Falls Corn Roast. Rest in peace dear Shirley. You will be missed.