Shirley A. Bradow

Shirley A. Bradow, 86 of Watertown, WI, passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at her home.

Shirley was born on January 17, 1937, in Beaver Dam, the daughter of Reuben and Pearl (Schneider) Wandrey.  Born a pastor’s daughter, she moved around southern Wisconsin, but spent the majority of her youth in Markesan.  She graduated from Cutler High School in Milwaukee in 1954 and attended North Central College in Naperville, IL, graduating in 1958 with a teaching degree.  She married Vern Bradow on May 28, 1966, at Evangelical United Brethren Church in Beaver Dam, WI, where her dad was the founding pastor.  The couple had 3 children and enjoyed 43 years of marriage, until his death in 2009.  Shirley loved Vern dearly, and always thought of him as the love of her life.  The couple enjoyed traveling and dancing together in their younger years and skied together in many places. They loved being with each other in all capacities.  She was an avid bridge player, Green Bay Packer fan, and enjoyed the products of her garden.  She was a quilter, sewed many things, and did crochet and other art projects.  A woman of faith, Shirley was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church of Watertown, where she enjoyed worshipping with her church family and attending regular bible study.  Shirley was a determined and independent woman.  She is loved deeply by her family and will be sincerely missed.

Shirley is survived by: her children Paul (Susanne) Bradow of Watertown, Ann Jones of Champaign, IL, and Jill (Jason) Rusk of Groton, CT; 7 grandchildren Sarah (Nate Schroeder) Bradow, Grant Bradow, Hannah Jones, Abigail Jones, Madeleine (Stephen) Gallo, Ren Rusk, and Olivia Rusk.  Shirley is also survived by her best friend of 84 years, Sharon Doxtator of Markesan and other family members and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Vern, and her brother Verlin Wandrey.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Oak Hill Cemetery of Watertown with Rev. Ray Bezanson presiding.

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