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.