Shirley M. Rabbitt

Shirley M. Rabbitt, age 75, of Beaver Dam, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, April 6, 2018 with her daughter at her side after a brief illness with lung cancer. The visitation will be at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Cherie Forret will be officiating and inurnment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Townsend, Wisconsin at a later date. The former Shirley Mae Lornson was born on May 21, 1942 in Neenah, WI, the daughter of Marcella (Bayer) Lornson and Harold Lornson Sr. On December 17, 1962 she was united in marriage to William P. Rabbitt in Oshkosh, WI. They settled in Beaver Dam and together raised their six children. For many years Shirley was a stay-at-home mother, but as their children got older she worked outside the home at various jobs until Bill’s health deteriorated to the point that she retired from Shopko to care for him. After Bill’s passing Shirley became involved with the Beaver Dam Senior Center where she made a lot of new friends and took part in a number of the programs they offered. She was the coordinator for a couple groups, served as a member of the Senior Center Steering Committee, and was a member of the Trinity Church United Methodist. Shirley enjoyed Wii Bowling, mini road trips with friends wherever the car took them, going out to eat at various restaurants near and far, listening to country music and playing cribbage. Shirley is survived by her children Marcy (Gary) Kaul of Beaver Dam, Dan Rabbitt of Beaver Dam, Brad’s wife Janice Rabbitt of Clarksville, TN, Lorena (Jeff) Van Nocker of Fox Lake, Scott (Angie) Rabbitt of Baker, MT, and Corey (Gwen) Rabbitt of Fox Lake, her sister June Thiede, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is further survived by her Special Friend Paul King and close friends Roxanne and Jerry Lehmann, all of whom she loved dearly. Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Bill in 2006, her son Brad in 2010, her parents and Bill’s parents, her brother Chuck and sister Nancy, and many other relatives and friends. Shirley’s family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to her medical team and Hillside Hospice for the special care they provided her. If desired, memorials may be directed in her name to the Watermark, Hillside Hospice or the charity of your choice.