Shirley Mae Stelpflug

FENNIMORE - Shirley Mae Stelpflug, age 72, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday morning November 9, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born on March 2, 1953, in Prairie du Chien, the daughter of Vincent and Germaine (Weber) Mumm. Shirley was united in marriage to the love of her life, David Stelpflug on September 15, 1973, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington.

Shirley grew up on her family farm and graduated from Bloomington High School in 1971. Shirley’s dedication to hard work began early on. During and right after high school, she worked at Pride Seed Corn in Glen Haven and then at Production Credit Association in Lancaster – all while continuing with her farming work., something that remained an important piece of her life through the years. She was among the first deli employees at Dick’s in Lancaster and later helped start the bakery department at Jackson Foods in Fennimore. She later worked at Dr. McKinze’s office and then at the Butcher Shop.

Shirley’s spirit of hard work and determination carried into the next chapter of her life when she and Dave purchased Cheers II in Preston, which they proudly owned and operated for 25 years. It was during this time that Shirley earned her reputation as the “Bun Lady”. Her kitchen became center of her catering and baking operation, baking thousands of buns each year for various organizations, events, and fundraisers. One year, she counted 24,000 buns baked. For Shirley, baking was never work - it was just her way of giving back to the people and communities that she loved. Shirley never missed an opportunity to help with many local area Fire Departments steak feeds.

 After selling the bar, Shirley continued to be active member of her community, baking bread for Grab A Cone, working in the kitchen for Fennimore School District, bringing smiles and brightening the day of so many young students. She later helped her son Allen, at Premier Co-op before officially retiring to spend cherished time with her grandchildren, teaching them how to bake, sew, and can. She looked forward to many fishing adventures with Alan and Amanda.

Faith was the center of Shirley’s life. She was dedicated member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fennimore and never missed an opportunity to serve time at the adoration chapel at St. Mary’s, where she was active with St. Annes Society. She also helped St. Mary’s and St. Thomas with their annual fish fry’s. Her dedication to her church and her community was steadfast, much like her generosity – always giving more of herself than she ever expected in return.

Shirley’s community involvement was extensive, including membership in the Grant County Pork Producers, she served as president of the Wisconsin Porkettes, was a Lancaster FFA Alumni, and was a part of the Grant County Farm Bureau - Young Farmers. She and Dave were part of the founders of The Southwest Wisconsin Tractor Ride, along with other local families.

To know Shirley was to truly understand compassion. She was caring, hardworking, and a mother to many beyond her own family. She had a gentle spirt and quiet laugh. Whether playing a hand of “Pitch” or baking for a fundraiser, Shirley’s presence brought comfort and joy. Her life was defined by faith, family, and an unwavering work ethic. Her hands were never still, and she had a heart that never stopped giving. Shirley poured her love into caring for others – quietly, humbly, and with a grace that touched the heart of everyone she met.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 52 years Dave of Preston; two children: Allen (Wendy) Stelpflug of Stitzer and Brian (Sara) Stelpflug of Pella, IA; five grandchildren: Alan and Amanda Stelpflug and Stella, Max, and Ean Stelpflug; six siblings: Bob (Kitty) Mumm of Lancaster, Ginny (Larry) Snider of Lancaster, Gary (Sue) Mumm of Bloomington, Larry (Elaine) Mumm of Bloomington, Ronnie (Rose) Mumm of Bloomington, Janie (Tony) Meekma of Platteville; sister in law, Diane (Ron) VanNatta of Bloomington; along with many many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Vincent and Germaine Mumm, father and mother-in-law Cletus and Eileen Stelpflug, and dear great niece Caitlin Recker.