Shirley A. Samz

Shirley A. Samz, age 94, longtime resident of Mishicot, died peacefully Tuesday night, November 21, 2023 at the home of her daughter Sandy and Dan, surrounded by the love of family.

Shirley was born in Two Rivers on August 10, 1929 to Joseph and Clara (Shedivy) Hronek. She graduated from Washington High School with the class of 1947 and was united in marriage to Bernard V. Samz on June 16, 1951 at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Two Rivers. The couple was blessed with six children and 67 years of marriage. Bernard and Shirley enjoyed spending time at their trailer in Lakewood and especially enjoyed snowmobiling through the north woods with friends. Bernard  preceded her in death on June 18, 2018.

Shirley was a longtime, faithful member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mishicot; and enjoyed reading, cooking, and watching all sporting events, especially football, and loved her Green Bay Packers. She loved harvesting the produce of the large garden Bernard grew each season. She canned most of the vegetables grown, always keeping a beautiful fruit cellar full of her canned goods. Above all, Shirley treasured the time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her children: Julie Ryan of Waunakee, Sandra Haese (Dan Zachek) of Valders, Robert (Karen) Samz of Two Rivers, Ellen (Rick) Meyer of Newton, Bernie (Debbie) Samz of Mishicot, and Daniel Samz of Manitowoc; eight grandchildren: Michael Ryan (Margaret LaBorde), Andrew (Jennifer) Haese, Kevin (Michelle) Haese, Kelly (Justin) Litersky, Cory Samz, Jared Meyer (Jessica Hodkiewicz), Christopher Meyer (fiance, Whitney Gebhart), Mitchell (Olivia) Samz; and 12 great-grandchildren: Oscar, Leo, Collin, Kyle, Riley, Emma, P.J., Aiden, Leighton, Cameron, Drake, and Beau. She is further survived by two sisters-in-law, Helen Koch and Sr. Marietta Samz; and cousin, Elaine Dewane; along with other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Clara Hronek; her husband, Bernard Samz; two sons-in-law: Tom Haese and Mike Ryan; one granddaughter, Kayla Samz; and many brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Mishicot. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be Rev. Christian Raj, with burial to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Mishicot.

The family will greet relatives and friends at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Saturday morning, December 2nd from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. There will be no Friday evening visitation.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.

The Lambert-Eckert Funeral Home of Mishicot is assisting the Samz family with funeral arrangements.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Tracy Sherman of the Aurora Two Rivers Clinic, and the caregivers of Aurora at Home Hospice, especially Jayne, Kayla, Jason, Tracy, and chaplain, Dave Hatch for all the wonderful care and compassion extended to our dear mother. Your kindness is very much appreciated.

Special thanks also to Shirley's daughter, Sandy & Dan who took Mom into their care, giving her great peace, love & comfort through her final journey.

"To My Children and Grandchildren: Be not sorrowful that I am gone and my earthly life is done. Be not sad I passed away. For in you, my children, I live each day. There is a little of me in all of you. In each new one I live anew. So you see, I'll never really be gone, As long as there are children to carry on. I have had my share of love, sorrow, and strife. I have lived a full and fruitful life. So do not mourn and do not weep, For I have earned this peaceful sleep".