Shirley M. Danz

Frankenmuth, MI formerly of Reese, MI

Passed away Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at Covenant Cooper; age 80 years. Shirley Marie Walenter was born on August 23, 1941 in Evanston, IL to the late Thomas and Helena (Marco) Walenter. She was married to Harry Danz on August 24, 1985 in Detroit, MI; he predeceased her on March 19, 2013.

Shirley was baptized at St. Nicoli Lutheran Church in Chicago, IL and was later confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palatine, IL. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Education at Concordia University in River Forest, IL in 1963, and continued her education at Wayne State University to earn her Master's degree in Elementary Reading and Education in 1983. Shirley retired from St. Lorenz Lutheran School after dedicating her career as an elementary teacher specializing in reading.  She was highly involved with and had a passion for teaching Special Education reading skills. She answered many callings to teach in Gaylord, MN; Southgate, MI; Denver, Co; and St. Philip Lutheran and Peace Lutheran in Detroit.  She was also a member of St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Richville, MI. Together with her husband Harry, she was a supportive fan at many Reese High School athletic events. In her retirement years, Shirley kept active tutoring, volunteering, book clubs, and maintaining the library at Independence/Winter Village.  She found joy in her volunteer work at St. Michael's Lutheran Church where she would read stories to the young children. Family was near to her heart, and she cherished time spent with her grandkids. Shirley also loved sewing, camping, writing, gardening, watching Hallmark movies and her dogs.

She is survived by: her brother William (Heidi) Walenter and their son Detlef Walenter; step-children Kathleen Danz, Richard (Rosa) Danz, and Karl (Catherine) Danz; six step-grandchildren Jeffrey (Heidi) Schiller, Michael (Kate) Danz, Joseph (fiancé Casey), Erica, Nicole, and Kristin Danz; great grandchildren Madeline and Evan Schiller; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband Harry and her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her brother David Walenter.

A committal service will take place at a later date in Great Lakes National Cemetery. Cremation has taken place. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to: Johns Hopkins ARVD Program.

Arrangements entrusted to Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth. Please sign our guest book or share an online condolence with the family at www.cederbergfh.com .