Shirley Noerz Klein

Shirley Noerz Klein, (Mrs. Paul A.), 89, of Rockford and formerly of Madison, died Nov. 27, 2015 at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Born Sept. 28, 1926 in Madison, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred B. Noerz. Attended Ripon College in Ripon, WI and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1948. Married the late Paul A. Klein on June 24, 1950 in Madison and later moved to Rockford in 1954. Shirley was a former speech therapist for the Salem, Oregon Public School System (1948-1950); 1950 final semester taught at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon; Wausau, Wisconsin Deaf School (1952) and Rockford College Speech Clinic for Dr. Mildred Berry (1953-1955). Volunteered at the early Severson Dells Forest Preserve, Blind Center (now Center for Sight and Hearing Impaired) and the early Burpee Museum. She enjoyed for many years the company of her pet cats and loved traveling to remote areas of the world to learn the culture of life of the people. Survivors include her niece, Carol Dabisch and her family.
Funeral Mass, Monday, December 7, 2015 at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 428 N. 2nd St. Rockford. Private burial in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Madison, WI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Humane Treatment of Animals in Research, Noah’s Ark of Rockford, IL or to the Winnebago County Humane society. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel is assisting the family.