• 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 15^th, 2026. Shirley Ann was born February 27^th, 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 10^th, 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 Biersteker, 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.