Shirley A. Hobson

     Shirley Ann Hobson was born on October 11, 1963 in the city of Sparta to Beverly (Sletten) and Byron Brandau. Shirley was called home on July 29, 2017 at the age of 53 years, 9 months and 18 days surrounded by family.  Shirley married Kevin Duane Hobson on May 7, 1983.

     Shirley earned an associate’s degree from WWTC in 1994, a bachelor’s degree from Lakeland College in 1998, both with high honors.  In 2015, while in chemotherapy, Shirley earned her CMA (Certified Management Accountant). With her strong faith, Shirley served as a church council member, Sunday school teacher, confirmation mentor and group leader, youth chaperone, and praise team vocalist for many years.  As her daughters #1 fan, she supported Tomah and Sparta music and theater programs, including serving as a member of SMPA (Sparta Music Parent Association), and chaperoning both her daughters New York City band and choir trips.

     Shirley enjoyed movies, music, and sitting down with a good book. Her devotion and support for the Green Bay Packers was only outweighed by that of her family and friends. She was a proud shareholder/NFL owner, so watching her team was a favorite Sunday pastime.  Most of all, Shirley loved spending time with family and friends, and taking trips with her husband and daughters.

     Shirley and Kevin were blessed with two daughters, Amanda Hobson of Oshkosh, WI and Rebecca (Ryan) Guldenaar of Sparta, WI. In addition to her husband, daughters, mother, and dogs Abie and McGee; Shirley is survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Richard Haville of Owatonna, MN, brother-in-law Scott Hobson of Onalaska, WI, father and mother-in-law Duane and Jane Hobson of Sparta, WI, nieces Jennifer (Scott) Morani of Louisville, KY, Joanna (Chad) Goltzman of Bloomington, MN, and 2 great-nieces Ariel and Tessa Morani and great-nephew Jack Goltzman, and honorary granddaughter Andria Johnson as well as wonderful aunts, uncles, and cousins.

     Shirley was preceded in death by her father Byron Brandau.

     A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 3, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sparta with Pastor Mark Kvale officiating. Music will be performed by Rick Guldenaar and Ann Kvale. Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sparta, at a later date.

     Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 2, 2017 from 4-8pm at the Lanham-Schanhofer funeral home and on Thursday, from 10-11 a.m. at the church. Online condolences may be offered to the Hobson family at www.schanhoferfh.com.

     Memorials will be given in Shirley’s memory to Mayo Clinic, Trinity Lutheran Church, and Hospice Touch of Tomah Memorial Hospital.

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

 Service Information