Shirley Mae Byler

Shirley (Altergott) Byler, 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 14, 2019 after battling Alzheimer's disease for over 20 years. She was born on May 15, 1931 to the late Henry and Charlotte (Mahnke) Altergott. Shirley was a graduate of West High School, Class of ‘49. On November 16, 1957, she married Jack Byler, whom she loved deeply and shared many wonderful memories with for over 60 years.

Shirley started her career as a teller at Kellogg Bank and after many years in banking, retired from Wells Fargo in 2001. She assisted with the VIC Program and developed many close relationships with customers who would give up their place in line to wait until she was available. She also developed many close friendships with her co-workers who became life-long friends.

Shirley loved to dance! She especially loved to jitterbug and even taught her daughters and grandchildren how to do it. Shirley belonged to the Whirl-A-Ways Square Dance Club and other dance clubs throughout her life. In addition to dancing, she loved music, especially big band, church hymns, and anything from the Lawrence Welk show. Music eventually became her anchor as she grew older, and nothing could bring her back to the present like Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood.” Shirley was in bowling and golf leagues throughout her adult life. She was an avid Packers fan and attended games into her 80’s. Shirley cheered on her team by enthusiastically singing “Roll Out the Barrel” every time it played at Lambeau Field. Shirley and Jack also loved to ride bikes and put on many miles over the years.

Shirley enjoyed traveling to many different countries with Jack and their dear friends. They had a knack for making new friends on their trips and continued the relationships long after they returned home. Shirley really looked forward to their annual family vacation to Rasmussen Cottages on Summit Lake where they made so many wonderful memories over the years.

Shirley treasured her relationships with family and friends above all else. Shirley was very close to her two adoring daughters, sons-in-law and their families. Her love, patience, devotion and sense of playfulness made a deep impact on her grandchildren’s lives and she cherished every moment she spent with them. Shirley also made an impact on her neighbors from Harrison Street to Chantel Street and will be missed by all who knew her. Shirley was an active member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church for many years and was devoted to her faith.

Shirley is survived by her daughters, Lynn (Mark) Berndt and Amy (Gary) Sanders; grandchildren, Jack and Josie Berndt; Olivia, Austin, Emma, Grant, and Neil Sanders; sister, Mary Ann (Don) Reimer; brother, Robert Altergott; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Charlotte Altergott; brother Charles (Delores) Altergott, sister-in-law Judy Altergott, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leland and Iva (Tubbs) Byler, step father-in-law, Joseph Van Langendon; special aunt, Bernice Jorgensen, as well as other family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 22, 2019, at Lyndahl Funeral Home, 1350 Lombardi Avenue, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 341 Wilson Avenue, from 11:30 am until the time of funeral service at 12:30 pm with Rev. Diane Rew officiating.

Shirley’s family would especially like to thank Jean Brawner from Home Instead Senior Care who was her loving companion for the past 4 years, the compassionate caregivers at Emerald Bay Memory Care who treated mom like their own grandparent, and Heartland Hospice for their wonderful support this  past year.

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