Shirley Pike

Shirley Marie Pike, age 86, of Madison passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family and best friend on July 13th, 2018. She was born February 17th, 1932 in Beaver Dam, WI to Ernest and Esther (Schumacher) Haensgen, and moved to Madison as a young girl. Shirley met the love of her life James at a USO dance at Truax Field. They were married on December 20th, 1952. Shirley was a homemaker and dedicated mother of five. She became a world traveler and an expert at packing up her household, kids, and dog to move across country when Jim's work took them to Adak Alaska (several times), Niagara Falls, Bermuda, and the Philippines. Shirley and Jim returned to Madison in 1994 to be close to family. She enjoyed family gatherings that often included playing dirty clubs or dominoes and one of her wonderful meals. She loved music especially big band and swing. Jim and Shirley were regular mall walkers at Hilldale for many years before joining the UW Sports Medicine Fitness Center. They could often be found at Panera Bread after their daily workouts having coffee and bagels.

Shirley is survived by her devoted husband of 65 ½ years Jim, sons Randall (Winifred ) Pike, David Pike, John Pike, and daughter Diane Bock. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren,13 great grandchildren and many dear friends especially Eleanora Revels of Mount Horeb. She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings Ernest, David, and Beatrice, and daughter Theresa.

Shirley was never without a smile and a kind word. She humbly walked arm and arm every day with the Lord. She leaves an empty space in our hearts.

Visitation will be from 10-11:00AM on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 5313 Flad Ave, Madison WI, 53711 with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00AM with Father Bob Evenson presiding.

Please share your memories.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Rd, Madison
608-238-3434