Our loving mother, Shirley Bystedt, passed away at the age of 90 years on February 16, 2020 at Grace Edgewood Assisted Living in Altoona, Wisconsin. She was a resident of Eau Claire, Wisconsin for more than 60 years.
Shirley was born on January 13, 1930 in Duluth, Minnesota to Charles and Anna Anderson. She was the youngest of six siblings. Shirley married Roy Bystedt in March of 1949. They were blessed to spend 56 wonderful years together. To that union, three sons were born, Roy Jr., Gary and Timothy.
Shirley was a marvelous cook and baker. Many home-cooked meals were provided by this special woman. After raising her children, Shirley worked as a Security person at the Chippewa Valley Airport. She was a food service worker at Delong Middle School and finally she was a secretary at the Eau Claire City Clerk’s office specializing in elections.
Shirley loved to laugh and tell jokes. She played cards with delight. Thrift sales were her passion. A trip to the casino always made her happy. She loved her furry friends. She adopted many a homeless dog. She fed the birds and had a special affection for cardinals leading to an amazing cardinal collection. She had “pet” ducks that would visit her backyard every year. She and Roy spent many relaxing days at their Lake Eau Claire cottage.
Shirley is survived by her sons, Roy Jr. (Kris Cusick), Gary (Roslyn), Timothy (Melissa). Her grandchildren: Tammy (Jamie), Tim, Jr. (Samantha), Elizabeth (Joel), Jacquelyn, Erik (Emily), Todd (Amber.) Her great grandchildren: Carsen, Devon, Calvin, and Charli. She is further survived by a special niece, Nancy Berg along with many other nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Roy, brothers, Charles, Russell, Lloyd and Roland. Her sister, Virginia and her special friend, Jim Thompson.
A funeral service will be held on May 9, 2020 at Smith Funeral Chapel in Eau Claire at 1:00 pm with visitation one hour before the service. Internment will follow at Lake View Cemetery. A gathering with refreshments will be held after the internment. Thanks to the wonderful staff at Grace Edgewood and Mayo Hospice for the loving care they gave Shirley. Memorials to the Eau Claire County Humane Society would be preferred in lieu of flowers.
I am so sorry to learn of this passing. Many years ago I golfed with this lady’s husband and just recently one of her son’s repaired my garage door and refused to take compensation because he noticed my veterans hat. That says a lot about his father and mother.
I first met your mother when she was a poll worker / chief inspector on Election Days. When we needed help in the Elections Office, she and Clayona Walters started working with us. They were quite a team. I remember her smile and laugh no matter how busy / crazy the day would be.
Donna Austad, former EC City Clerk