Obituary
Shirley Jean (Olson) Potts
Shirley Jean (Olson) Potts, 89, passed away peacefully on September 27th, 2026, surrounded and embraced by her family.
Shirley was born on August 2nd, 1937, in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin. She was the oldest of seven and had many fond memories of growing up on her family’s farm and summers spent at church camp with her friends.
Shirley married Clarence “Andy” Potts on October 19th, 1957. The two started out as good friends in high school. When Andy was stationed in Germany in 1955-1956, he and Shirley began writing letters to one another, growing their friendship into a lifelong love. They resided in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where they raised their children, Greg and Nancy.
Shirley and Andy were looking forward to celebrating their upcoming 69th wedding anniversary.
Throughout her life, Shirley loved her bowling league where she made lasting friendships. She enjoyed playing bingo, camping at Hatfield and Lake Neshonoc, traveling with family (Hawaii was her favorite), and hosting holiday dinners and Oktoberfest parties for many years. A family favorite was looking at old photo slides on their projector while eating homemade ice cream. Shirley loved nothing more than spending time with her family, telling stories and sharing many laughs together.
Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Andy; their children, Greg (Roxanne) and Nancy (Ole); her granddaughters, Miranda, Kiley (Travis), Andrea (Tim), Amber (Ben), and Autumn (Asher); her great-grandchildren, Abrielle, Kasen, Emmie, Hendrick, Beau, William, and Victoria; and her siblings Gary (Karen), Larry (Jayne), Marsha (Stan), and Sherrie (Dan).
She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Elgia; and her sisters, Doris and Marilyn.
Shirley’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the caring team at Onalaska Care Center, and to the wonderful friends she made there.
Her immediate family will be having a private gathering to celebrate her life.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s and Dementia research.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting CouleeCremation.com.
My heart is breaking for all of you.
I’m sorry for your loss. Shirley was a lovely lady and I enjoyed getting to know her at the care center. I always enjoyed painting her nails and visiting with her.
– Tori (OCC volunteer)
Always enjoyed talking to your mum Nancy. How many years we had those parties. Haha. Good memories. Hugs and prayers to you all 🙏💜
Hi Nancy. Thoughts and hugs to you all. You had a very sweet Mommy.🌺💕
Shirley was such a delightful, fun person to be around! My husband and I first met Shirley when we worked together at Weavers Warehouse. Those were some fun years! I can still see her smile and hear her laugh. RIP my dear old friend!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I was an old neighbor and friends to you all. Nancy it was so nice seeing you at Bath and Body Works to talk to you about your family it was truly a great visit with you ❤️
Many fun memories of bowling with Shirley. We had many good times with our coffee get togethers also. Gone, but never forgotten.
So sorry for your loss, Nancy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family.
Jane (Merfeld) Hanson
I enjoyed working with Shirley for many years. My husband and I got to be good friends with her and Andy. She was a very special lady and so proud of her family. My sympathy to her family.
My prayers go out to the Family, I worked with Greg (Roxanne) Potts at 3 Rivers Bus Service,and First Student prayers and thoughts go out to the whole family
I met Shirley and Andy through my parents, and shared many breakfasts with them at Family Restaurant in LaCrosse. Shirley had such a warm friendly way about her, and always expressed kindness toward others. Such a wonderful soul. My heart goes out to you – Andy and Nancy and your family.
Shirley and Andy were good friends of the Emery family. I met them through my mother in law and father in law. A beautiful sweet lady I enjoyed the visits we had. She loved her family so much and was so proud of her grandchildren. Andy and family we are all thinking of you! Lots of memories cherished. God bless you!
Sorry for your loss. I heard of Shirley’s passing from my cousin, Sharon. We all spent our childhood in the Five Points Church area. (Richland County) I also knew all her brothers and sisters. We spent many fun times together during our growing up days. I lost track of Shirley in later years, but would still see her at special events. She was a wonderful person and her smile will be missed!
Marlene (Anderson) Dingle
Andy and Family. Sorry to hear of your loss. Always a great Friend. R.I.P. Shirley
I echo the nice remarks by my 1st cousin,marlene Dingle. We grew up in the Five Points neighborhood. I lived a few miles from the farm where she lived during grade and highschool days.
Rest in peace friend.
Paul and Joan Anderson, La Crosse