Obituary
Shirley J. Peterson (O’Hearn)
Shirley J Peterson (O’Hearn) passed away unexpectedly June 6, 2017.
Shirley was born December 22, 1958 in Moorhead, MN to Alvin and Clara (Leonhardt) Geiszler. She attended Moorhead Senior High and was proud to be a Spud. In 1980, She married Michael O’Hearn and they had four children. They moved to La Crosse in 1988. Shirley quickly grew to love her new city, getting involved in her daughters’ Girl Scout troops. Her Recollections business created the Autograph Pets that many Scouts at Camp Ehawee and other camps came to love. The constant shuttling around 4 busy children to Scouting, Baseball, Camps, and trips back to the FM Area kept her busy.
She was very proud of her son’s rise to Chief Engineer and his involvement in numerous emergency service agencies.
On August 17, 2007 Shirley married Don Peterson. She loved watching football with him and became a big Packers fan. She spoke fondly of the fishing and camping trips they took together “up north”, and fully welcomed “the steps” into her family.
Shirley was an artist and loved to sew. In high school, she sewed her own prom dresses and did the same for her daughters and stepdaughter Stacy. She was extremely creative and loved coming up with unique Halloween costumes for herself and her children. Shirley worked for many years in area fabric stores, including Minnesota Fabrics, Hancock, and finally Jo-Ann Fabrics. She loved to teach her younger co-workers everything she knew and was always ready to help customers with their projects.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Don, of La Crosse; Siblings, Dennis, Kenny, Cindy, and Janet of the Moorhead, MN Area; Children, Chris (Carrie) O’Hearn of Brice Prairie, Sara O’Hearn of Taylor, TX, Rebecca (Chris) Murry of Benton, KY, and Hannah (Craig) Breaux of Austin, TX; Grandchildren Eleanor, Carlin & Camdin, and Chase; Her “steps” Laura, Matt, and Stacy; and special pets Spot and Dotty.
She was preceded in death by her parents and very beloved dog Inga.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, June 13th from 1-3, with a service to follow at Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason St., Onalaska. Chpl. Jeff Thomson will officiate.
Shirley was a warm hearted kind soul and my heart goes out to her family and friends. She is gone too soon but forever cherished. I will keep you all in my prayers. I will miss you cousin!!
To Chris and family,
I did not know your mother, but I feel that she was an amazing person to have raised a wonderful son with outstanding community values and giving nature. Her grandchildren will miss having her wisdom as they grow up. Keep her memory alive and share what she taught you. My sympathy.
Sue and Marc Schultz
Shirley was my best friend in 2nd grade at George Washington Elementary School. She was fun, creative, and so kind and thoughtful. She always had a bright smile. Although our lives took different paths as we grew older, I’ve always remembered her loving kindness and was grateful for her friendship. .
Dear Ohearn / Peterson family
Shirley was a kind hearted lady that could Cheer anybody up she had that special Sense when someone was having a hard time and could naturally make there day mine included
Kevin Adams-Dunn
Hancock/Joann Fabrics and Crafts
Team Member