Shirley J. Hess

Shirley J. Hess, nee Steinhorst, age 96, of Baraboo, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo. 

Shirley, daughter of Edward and Viola (Hinz) Steinhorst, was born on August 15, 1927, in West Baraboo. She attended Oak Grove Grade School and graduated from Reedsburg High School, Class of 1945. She married Edward Hess on July 5, 1952 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Baraboo, they spent the next 44 years together until Edward’s death in 1996. 

She lived and worked most of her life in Baraboo and retired after 38 years with Industrial Coils. Upon retirement, she volunteered for several organizations including 30 years with St. Martha’s Funeral Circle at St Joseph Church.

She was well-known for her kindness, particularly through her cooking and baking skills. Friends, neighbors and relatives were all the recipients of her generosity. Even after her move to Oak Park Place in 2020, she continued to bake, leaving baked goods for her neighbors on the shelves outside their doors. She was most known for her cut-out sugar cookies, peanut bars, angel food cake, jelly and pickles. 

She is survived by her daughter, Debbie (Brian) Running of Waukesha; grandchildren, Charlotte Running (Josh Zabler) of Waukesha, Christopher (Darby) Running of Madison, Drew Running of Milwaukee; sister, Betty Schultz of Fairfield; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, parents and sister, Marie Boyles. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Baraboo on Friday, May 17, 2024, with Father Paul Ugo Arinze presiding. Visitation will be held on Friday at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Martha’s Circle and sent to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 300 Second Street, Baraboo, WI 53913, Oak Park Place for its activity fund, 800 Waldo St., Baraboo, 53913 or Sauk County Humane Society, 618 Linn St., Baraboo, 53913.

The family would like to thank the staffs of 2 West at St. Clare Hospital and Oak Park Place for the care and support they provided to Shirley. 

Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home is assisting the family.