Shirley Mae Povkovich

Shirley Mae (nee: Grant) Povkovich, 96, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Ascension All Saints Hospital. Shirley was born January 4, 1929 to the late Ralph and Lillian Grant. She attended Rapids School, Washington Junior High School, and graduated from Horlick High School in 1946. Shirley earned a letter in Physical Education. She worked at Hamilton Beach until her marriage to George Povkovich, her high school sweetheart, and love of her life on May 22, 1948. They then moved to Highland Falls, New York, where George served in the United States Army as a tank instructor at West Point Military Academy until his discharge in 1948. They moved back to Racine, where their son David was born October 19, 1950. In 1958 Shirley was hired at Motor Specialty, where she worked 27 years, retiring in 1985. George also retired in 1985 after serving 35 years on the Racine Police Department. In 1978 George and Shirley built a home in Necedah, WI, spending time fishing, bowling, and playing golf together. In 1992, they moved to their home in Necedah. They were faithful members of St. James Lutheran Church, where they became involved with the youth, chaperoned on many occasions, and sang in the choir, among other activities. In 2002, they moved back to Racine and became faithful members of Prince of Peace Church. Shirley was an avid baker, sharing with friends and enjoying morning coffee at Panera each day. Shirley is survived by her granddaughter-in-law, Allyson Povkovich; sister, Laurie Hayek; granddaughter, Katrina (Erick) Peasley; great-grandchildren, Abby, Emily and Tommy Frisinger, Abby Povkovich, Andrew (Shelby) Tompkins, Lilyanna, Nathaniel Peasley, Tyler (Madie) Nitsch; and other family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, George; son, David; grandson, Brian; parents; mother-in-law, Marie Povkovich, and many relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, have been suggested. A funeral service honoring Shirley’s life will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Chris Lockie officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Shirley will be laid to rest at West Lawn Memorial Park. Shirley would like to give special thanks to Brian, my beloved grandson, and his wife Allyson, my angel, for the love and compassion for me. Also special friend Jutta Leuthe, Betty Kulas, Kate Nugent and other church friends, Panera friends, McDonald’s friends, Wednesday Luncheon friends and so many others that made my morning coffee so enjoyable.

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Shirley Mae Povkovich

January 4, 1929 - January 22, 2025