Shirley Lueschow

Shirley Lueschow, age 88, passed away peacefully at the SSM Monroe Hospice Home on May 6, 2026.

Shirley was born to Otto and Elda (Theiler) Rhiner on December 3, 1937, at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. She grew up on a farm in the Town of Verona, attended Valley View Country School, and graduated from Verona High School. Shirley originally earned a two-year rural teaching degree, which allowed her to begin her teaching career at the one-room Berg School in the Town of Springdale. Shirley earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wisconsin State College and Institute of Technology in Platteville, Wisconsin (UW-Platteville). After earning her degree, she taught at Frank Allis School in Madison, Wisconsin until she left teaching to raise a family.

In 1976, Shirley resumed her teaching career at New Glarus Elementary School. She taught both first and third grades until retiring in 1996. Shirley was beloved by many students throughout her career and loved following her former students as they progressed through life. Reading was her favorite subject to teach, and she especially enjoyed helping her students learn to be kind to one another. Shirley also made many wonderful and lifelong friends during her years at New Glarus Elementary School.

Shirley married Lloyd at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on June 1, 2026. Shirley and Lloyd enjoyed many vacations together, traveling to destinations that included Switzerland, Nova Scotia, Alaska, and China. They also enjoyed golfing during the winter months in southern Florida.

Shirley enjoyed playing in a bridge club with Lloyd for sixty-two years, as well as participating in bridge clubs with teachers and residents of the New Glarus Home. She completed the Wisconsin State Journal crossword puzzle every day — in pen! Other activities Shirley enjoyed included volunteering at local elections, attending retired teacher luncheons, participating in family reunions, and sharing many coffees with friends.

Shirley was perhaps best known for playing the piano and organ for church services for more than seventy-two years. In recent years, she felt honored to play for services at Shepherd of the Hills Church in New Glarus and the Two Steeples Parish, Springdale Church. Many people in New Glarus fondly remember Shirley playing for their wedding, a family member’s funeral, or accompanying students at Solo and Ensemble. She especially enjoyed playing the pump organ once each year at the Swiss Historical Village Museum in New Glarus.

Like Lloyd, Shirley was most proud of her children’s and grandchildren’s educational achievements and entrepreneurial accomplishments.

Shirley is survived by her three children, Kevin (Sarah) Lueschow, Karen Lueschow, and Karl (Kristin) Lueschow, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Shiloh (Fabian) Lueschow-Guijosa, Jesse Lueschow, Andrew (Amannda) Lueschow, Tyler Lueschow (Kennedy Dreger), and Brock Lueschow.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Elda (Theiler) Rhiner; her in-laws, William and Alice Lueschow; her husband, Lloyd Lueschow; her brothers and their wives: Julian and Anna May Rhiner and Kenneth and Helen Rhiner; and her sister and brother-in-law, Sandra and Karl Oliver.

Shirley will be remembered for her genuine, warm, comforting smile and her gift for making everyone around her feel special.

A private funeral service will be held on May 11, 2026, at Shepherd of the Hils Church in New Glarus. Burial will follow in the Verona Cemetery. All are welcome to attend a Celebration of Shirley’s Life, from 1-4 pm on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Edelweiss Chalet Country Club, W4764 Edelweiss Rd., New Glarus, WI

The family would like to thank SSM Health Monroe Hospital and the Monroe Hospice Home for their care and compassion.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family.

A memorial fund will be established.