Shirley A. Pelczynski (Nee Bruski)

Shirley Anne (Bruski) Pelczynski, 84, passed away unexpectedly on March 27, 2020. She was surrounded by her family.
Shirley was born in Grafton, ND on May 8, 1935, daughter of the late Peter and Marcella Bruski. In 1943, at the age of eight, she moved to Milwaukee, WI with her family. She later resided in Wautoma, WI and in 1980 moved to Glendale, WI where she remained until the Lord called her home. Shirley worked at Solly’s Grille, retiring at the age of 81.
One of her greatest legacies that will forever be missed by those who know and love her was her unwavering presence. Her door was always open- one not need to call ahead, or even knock on her door. For it did not matter who you were, nor where you were from, you would always feel welcomed in her home. She had a gift for making people feel “right at home”, comfortable, understood, and accepted, without even trying. Whether it be a quick visit or extended stay, guests would always be greeted with her one of a kind laugh. One could always count on Shirley to be at the kitchen table, smoke in hand, with a hot pot of coffee on. She loved spending time visiting with family and friends, and could carry a conversation for hours. In the early morning hours, she would be up snapping her cards and warming up for the day. “Keeps the mind sharp and gets the hands working, kid.”
When she wasn’t at the table visiting or watching one of her many shows (with the TV at max volume), she would be out gardening and tending to her flowers. She also found joy feeding her birds and cats. She loved her many animals and they all loved her just as much. She will be especially mourned by her Bear and Brandy.
Shirley also had a love for playing cards and gambling. She enjoyed hosting card parties with friends and family all piled in her home, laughing, visiting, and making memories. And whenever she could, she would be off to the casino to “hit the big bucks” on the machines. One of her favorite pastimes included vacations with her children to the casino in Biloxi, MS.
Shirley was preceded in death by her former husband, and father to her two eldest children, Lawrence “Fritz” Stoltz, and former husband and father to her two youngest children, Donald Pelczynski. It was from those marriages that came her proudest life accomplishments, her children. She is survived by her beloved children: Cindy (Jim) Swendrzynski, Toni (Ray) Murrenus, Mike Pelczynski and Kevin Pelczynski. She is further survived by her older brother, Donald Bruski, step-daughter, Suzie (Steve) Collins, but preceded in death by her step-son, Donny Pelczynski.
Shirley was also better known by those who loved her as “Nana”. She was a proud Nana to her five adored grandchildren: Jacqueline (Bob) Gremler, Jennifer (Christopher) Nienow, Angel Murrenus (Cody Womack), Jessie Murrenus (Chris Pipkorn), and Cody Murrenus (Madison Kohnke). Not only was she a Nana to her grand and great-grandchildren, but through the years, countless kids, and adults, have walked through her doors and into her heart. She was known as “Nana” to all that she shared her home to. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by many family, friends, and all who knew her. But especially missed by “the entertainer”, her cousin-in-law, Jimmy Stoltz.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date when friends and family are able to safely gather.

HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME

414-321-7440

heritagefuneral.com