Shirley Ann Hanisko

STURGEON BAY, Wis. – Shirley Ann Hanisko, 93, of Sturgeon Bay, formerly a long-time resident of Bessemer, Mich., passed away Sunday morning, April 15, 2018, at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay.

Shirley was born on Nov. 13, 1924, in Ironwood, Mich., a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Brach) Lotzer. She attended St. Ambrose Catholic High School and graduated in 1942. Shirley continued her education at Silver Lake College in Manitowoc and earned a nursing degree.

On Oct. 18, 1955, she was united in marriage to George F. Hanisko at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Ironwood by the Rev. Conrad Dishaw. They shared more than 57 wonderful years together and raised two sons.

Shirley was a faithful member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer, a devoted member of the Daughters of Isabella-Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle 746, and a supporting member of the Bessemer Woman's Club and AARP.

Shirley absolutely loved the outdoors and took great pleasure ice skating, skiing and playing tennis. She enjoyed reading, looked forward to canning fresh vegetables from George's garden and was an excellent tap dancer.

Shirley was a devout Catholic. She spent countless hours praying the rosary and read the Bible daily.

Shirley was a registered nurse and a member of the American Nurses Association. She was employed as the Gogebic County nurse for 45 years and took great pride in helping others. The highlights of her career were attending Trans-Pacific nursing conferences held in Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti and Hawaii.

Shirley is survived by two sons, Thomas (Verline), Mount Shasta, Calif., and Walter (Diane), Sturgeon Bay; seven dear grandchildren; five cherished great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bill (Colleen) Lotzer, Chicago, and Jim (Eileen) Lotzer, Milwaukee; numerous nieces and nephews; and several cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents; her beloved husband, George, on March 30, 2013; and her sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Vincent Zanella.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, May 5, at 11 a.m., preceded by memorial visitation at 10 a.m., at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer, with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, celebrant.

A luncheon will be served in Father Swoboda Hall at the church following the Mass.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at Sunset Acres Cemetery, Ironwood Township, Mich.

Expressions of affection in a charitable contribution in Shirley's memory are suggested in lieu of flowers to St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 210 E. Iron St., Bessemer, MI 49911.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the caring staff at Anna's Healthcare and Door County Medical Center.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, Mich. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.