Shirley A. Rickels (nee Sieber)

MONTELLO – Shirley A. Rickels (nee Sieber), age 82, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at her home in Montello. 

Shirley was born on November 23, 1933 in Milwaukee, the daughter of Frank and Harriet (Ryan) Sieber, Sr.  She was a recovering alcoholic with 49 years of sobriety.  Shirley was a sponsor for Alcoholics Anonymous, speaking many times at AA Conventions.  Shirley enjoyed helping others through their recovery.  She also enjoyed meditating with religious and spiritual books, tending to her flower gardens, and especially spending time with her grandchildren.     

She is survived by her son, Nicholas (Barbara) Gearhard, of Germantown; her grandchildren, Larry (Jodi) Zarling, of Racine, Connie Vires, of Montello, and Jessi Cook, of Pardeeville; her great-grandchildren, James, Joshua and Jack Zarling, Kaelynn Vires, and William and Elaina Holick; her brothers, Nelson Sieber, of Antigo, and Clarence (Joel) Sieber, of Milwaukee, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Nicholas R. Gearhard, Sr., her late husband James Rickels, her daughter, Kathleen Cook, her step-daughter, Kathryn Bunney, five brothers, and one sister.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Montello at 12:00 noon on Friday, October 28, 2016, with Fr. Paulraj Sellam presiding. Private burial will be held in Underhill Cemetery in Packwaukee at a later date. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.          

The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.