Shirley M. Brookins. 93, Sheboygan, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026, surrounded by her family at The Waterford in Plymouth, Wisconsin. She was born April 25, 1933, in Oshkosh WI to Alva and Bruno Siewert.
Shirley met and dated James V. Brookins throughout Oshkosh High School and during his first years at Marquette University. James and Shirley were married August 16, 1952, in Colorado. After Jim’s Air Force service during the Korean War and his graduation from UW Oshkosh, they settled in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where Jim taught physical education and coached football. Shirley supported Jim in his work as a teacher and coach while raising their four children. She was a wonderful cook—we will miss our favorite dishes and desserts—an accomplished seamstress who made outfits for her daughters, and a devoted mother who made our home a haven. As her children reached school age, Shirley returned to school at Sheboygan County Teachers College to earn an associate degree and teaching certificate. She then taught fourth grade at Holy Name of Jesus School in Sheboygan. She continued her education at Lakeland College, now Lakeland University, earning a teaching degree before teaching at Farnsworth Middle School for many years. Shirley loved teaching and her students, and she always had a special affinity for young people.
Shirley is survived by her four children, Michael (Cindy) Brookins, Roxanne (Steve) Kellner, Robin (Dennis) Barrow, and Ann Marie (Titus) Muzi; grandchildren Laura Brookins, Michael (Amanda) Brookins, Brad (Rachel) Brookins, Sara (Josh) James, Paul (Bri) Kellner, Hannah (Sam) Spranger, Jordan (Ian) Galloway, Nina Muzi, Titus Muzi III, Antoinette (Mat) Hock, and Gina Muzi; great-grandchildren Isaiah Triplett-Brookins, James and Jacob Brookins, Dorothy James, and Dane and Ivy Spranger; her sister, Audrey (Robert) Schafer; and her special friend, Anthony Baranoucky.
She was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law Ruth Brookins, father-in-law Victor Brookins, her husband James, sister, Nancy Harford, brother, Bruce Siewert, brother-in-law Jack Brookins, sister-in-law Jean Schoblaski, and grandson, Daniel Brookins.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to The Waterford Senior Living and Memory Care for caring for Shirley over the past two years, especially the caregivers she adored. She left an indelible impression on them, just as they did on her. The family further extends their thanks to the Sharon Richardson Hospice team who provided their assistance during moms’ last days.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Church in Sheboygan. Visitation at the church begins at 9:30AM with a Mass to follow at 11 AM. Entombment will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Sheboygan.
The family suggests that donations in Shirley’s name be given to Sharon Richardson Hospice https://ssrhospicehome.org/online-donation or Bookworm Gardens https://www.bookwormgardens.org/donate-1
Wenig Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at wenigfh.com.
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