Shirley Ann Robek

Shirley Ann (Beck) Robek, of Sheboygan, returned home to her loving Father on March 1, 2025, in the presence of her daughters.  Shirley was born one of fifteen children on May 2, 1936, in Dodge County to Ervin and Amanda (Dobberphul) Beck.  She was the middle child, with six sisters and eight brothers.  On March 15, 1956 she married Joseph Robek.  Together, they had three daughters. Shirley was proud to earn her GED at age 59 through Lakeshore Technical College.  Shirley worked for most of her life serving the public as a bartender. She and Joe ran “Shirley and Joe’s Four Oaks” tavern in Kohler. She later worked at “Ye Olde Korner” in Sheboygan Falls.  Much later in life she worked as a housekeeper at the American Club.  This is where she would make lifelong friends including Doris, Carleen and Elaine.  She was recently reconnected to Tammy and Ann, whom she had also worked with over twenty years ago.  Nothing brought her more joy than having these past friends back in her life.  Doris Bruggink was still her best friend and they talked almost daily, sharing life and supporting one another.  Over her lifetime, her daughters took their mom everywhere they could.  This included two Caribbean cruises, a trip to Vegas and annual trips to Wisconsin Dells.  Shirley traveled to Wisconsin Dells as recently as this past October so she could go on a train ride, which she thoroughly enjoyed!  Shirley traveled with her daughter Dione for work conferences and everyone made Dione’s mom feel so welcome. The family also spent time at Lake Ellen when the children were younger.

Survivors include her children, Julia Robek, Dione (Michael) Knop, both Sheboygan and Sheila (John) Hannum of Wisconsin Rapids.   She is survived by two grandsons, Jamie (Karissa) Dailey of Iowa and Thomas Hannum of Wisconsin Rapids.  Shirley loved her great grandchildren Alex (Bri) Kourtni and Phoenix and great great grandchild, Sterling.  Shirley was also grandmother to Dione’s beloved little sisters and little brother including Amanda (Michael) Leung of North Carolina, Kaylee (Tim) Zahn of Sheboygan Falls and Jovan Adamavich of Sheboygan.   Through these relationships she gained great grandchildren Kai, Emilia, and Cecilia Leung and Carter Holte.  She had so much love that she adopted a niece, Angie Beck of Oshkosh and nephew, Tom Beck of Hawaii serving as a mother figure for both.  Known affectionately as “Mama Bear” she had enough love to go around.  She also loved Anayah, Alexis, and Promise Schuh as her own grandchildren and they brought her much joy.

She is survived by one sister, Diane Andersen, three brothers, Larry, Jimmy and Melvin Beck and several nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents, five sisters and five brothers.

The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude for the support of Sharon S. Richardson Hospice.  The team was there to help us in her early stages of cancer diagnosis and helped to support our mom to make her own choices.  She chose her path with dignity and lived her life fully until the very end of her days.  A week before her passing she enjoyed a visit with her grandson, Jamie, that made her life complete.  Her peaceful passing at Sharon S. Richardson Hospice was a gift from God.

Our mom was an amazing woman who overflowed with love and compassion.  So much of that love has been returned to us already and for that we are forever grateful.

A Celebration of her Life will be held on Saturday March 15, 2025, at 12:00 pm at Bethany Reformed Church 1315 Washington Avenue Sheboygan, with Pastor Jane Carlson officiating.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 10:00 am until the time of the service at the CHURCH.   Internment will take place at a later date in Sheboygan Falls Cemetery where she will be laid to rest near her mother and her sisters with a private burial service.

In Lieu of Flowers, please consider a donation to Project Angel Hugs, Big Brothers Big Sisters or Sharon S. Richardson Hospice Center.

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will set you over many things.  Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:21. We will miss you mom, but your love will live on in us forever.