Shelby Jean Bahr, 81, passed away on Dec. 9, 2021. She was born March 5, 1940, to the late Alfred and Alta (Rasmussen) Gunderson in New London. On June 11, 1960, she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Dennis Bahr, for 49 years until he passed away on Aug. 9, 2009.
Shelby worked in the offices of the University of Maryland, Shawano County, Shawano Hospital and Wallrich Insurance. She enjoyed babysitting for numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. She was a housekeeper at Best Western and Country Inn and Suites/Settle Inn and Suites until retirement.
Shelby enjoyed trips to the Wisconsin State Fair, Brewers games and spending time with her family at the Fischer Family Farm during deer hunting season. She truly enjoyed her trips with Dennis to Branson, Missouri.
She loved to socialize with her many friends and family at the Washington Inn, drinking brandy and waters. She even was given the permission to do the early “kitchen door sneak in” at 3:45 p.m. and control the television remotes. This left her becoming more than just Shelby but “Ma,” “Mom” and “Grandma” to so many. In 2012, she became special friends with Jerry Temple, in her many visits to the Washington Inn. They then enjoyed their time together camping at Portfield and Hodag country festivals, in addition to their time spent at the Washington Inn.
Shelby was a beloved mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, auntie and friend to so many. She always greeted you with open arms and a loving smile.
She is survived by a sister, Mary Ellen (nee Gunderson) (Roy) Fischer; daughter-in-law, Sally Bahr (fianceé Kevin Schneidewend); grandchildren, Jesse (Amber) Bahr and Katie Bahr; great-niece, “granddaughter,” Desi (Cody) Owen; great-grandchildren, Jadyn and Jackson Bahr; sisters-in-law, Verna Brusewitz and Diana Bahr; many nieces and nephews; Jerry’s sons, Todd and Troy Temple; and beloved pets, Maggie, Cinder, Pepe, Jack and her favorite, Bella.
Shelby was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis; son, Jeff; special friend, Jerry Temple; father and mother, Alfred and Alta Gunderson; brother, James Gunderson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Edna Bahr; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Roger Bahr, Danny Brusewitz and Dave and Erna Bahr.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel, with the Rev. Timothy Shoup officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, from 3-6 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021. Burial will be in the church cemetery at a later date.
The Swedberg-Wendt Funeral Home in Bonduel is assisting the family with arrangements.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Aurora Hospice, and a huge thank you to Sally and Kevin for their wonderful care.
www.swedbergfuneralhome.com
Shelby Jean Bahr
