Fifth Generation

132. Shirley Jean BEHRENS was born on 13 January 1929 in Greenfield Township, Monroe County, WI.^{13,87,246,247} She appeared in the census in 1930 in Greenfield Township, Monroe County, WI.²⁴ She died on 10 November 2009 at the age of 80.²⁴⁷

Obituary Notes: "Shirley Jean McCoy, age 80, of Tomah, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009. She was born Jan. 13, 1929, to Louie and Mathilda (Gehrke) Behrens in Tunnel City.

Shirley was united in marriage to Stuart C. McCoy Oct. 16, 1948, in Sparta. Together, they farmed in Ridgeville for many years where they raised five children. Shirley also worked for and retired from the Department of the Army at Fort McCoy. When Shirley wasn’t at work, she enjoyed playing word and card games with her family, doing crossword puzzles, and traveling. She was particularly passionate about playing duplicate bridge. Shirley was an ardent Brett Favre, Packer and Badger fan. Her family loved anything that she cooked for them. Her chocolate birthday “ring” cakes were especially appreciated. Shirley loved engaging in political discussions. Being so well-read, she could debate with the best of them. One of her favorite sayings was “Waste Not, Want Not”. She was concerned about the environment, recycled everything, and was a wind energy proponent. Shirley’s faith was an important part of her life. She was a longtime member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at Ridgeville.

She is survived by her children, Merilyn (Tom) Moses of Roswell, GA, Claire (Jim Stoops) McCoy of Bloomington, MN, Stuart (Holly) McCoy Jr. of Riverside, RI, Kevin (Jenny) McCoy of Tomah, and Julie McCoy of Platteville; eight grandchildren, Katie and Jean Moses, Ryan and Andrew McCoy, Lawrence David Sturgill III, Molly (Dustin) Powell, Emily McCoy and Luke McCoy; and a great grandchild, Kayla; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louie and Mathilda; her husband, Stuart; a granddaughter, Amy Sturgill; and two sisters, Vila Wallace and Luella Habelman.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home. Pastor William Rice will officiate. Burial will follow in the Mount Vernon Cemetery, Tomah. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Friday, Nov. 13, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Family and friends are also invited for visitation on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Compassionate Friends, Platteville Chapter, c/o Bonnie Vaassen, 1170 Westhill Ave., Platteville, WI 53818, or The Arbor Day Foundation n WWW.arborday.org.

The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements."

Shirley Jean BEHRENS and Stuart Charles MCCOY Sr. were married on 16 October 1948 in Sparta, Sparta Township, Monroe County, WI.^{13,246,247,248} Stuart Charles MCCOY Sr., son of Robert Charles MCCOY and Alberta Isabelle ISENSEE, was born on 10 October 1928 in Sparta, Sparta Township, Monroe County, WI.^74,87,246 After March 1954 he was a farmer in Ridgeville Township, Monroe County, WI.²⁴⁶ They purchased their farm from August Schamens. The farm had been in the Kewit family. He died on 14 December 1987 at the age of 59.⁷⁴ Stuart was buried on 17 December 1987 in Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.⁷⁴ in the Mount Vernon Cemetery.

Shirley Jean BEHRENS and Stuart Charles MCCOY Sr. had the following children: