Shirley Harper

Shirley was born September 12, 1935 in a log house on Sutton Road in Minocqua to Stewart and Myrtle Jossart. She grew up in Minocqua, attending Hixon School, Minocqua Grade School and graduated from Minocqua High School in 1953. Shirley took employment at Dorwin Grocery, where she met the love of her life Wayne Haff. They were married at the Methodist Church of the Pines on December 28, 1955.

Wayne and Shirley had four children; Deborah (Mike), Linda (John), Wayne, Jr and Barry (Deborah). Also surviving are Grandchildren, Great-grandchildren and Great-great-grandchildren. Wayne Reed Haff, Sr. died October 30, 1976.

Shirley enjoyed strolling down Brown Street in Rhinelander and on a Sunday afternoon, she met the second love of her life, Victor Harper. They were married September 4, 1982 at First United Methodist Church. By saying “I Do,” Victor became a husband, dad, grandpa and uncle all in one day — he loved everyone. Victor died August 29, 2019.

Shirley worked at A&P Food Store and also waitressed at Parkway Restaurant, Wheeler’s Café, Bosacki’s Boathouse and Dale’s Cove Supper Club. The A&P closed in Minocqua and Shirley was transferred to Rhinelander. When they closed, she took up employment at the Rhinelander Police Department for 28 years as a meter officer and also worked at Walmart for 24 years until her retirement.

The visitation for Shirley will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at the Hildebrand Funeral Home, located at 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, from 12:30 until the 2:30 p.m. memorial service. Chaplain John Uhlarik will officiate.