Shirley M. Krause (Piette), 99, passed away peacefully on the morning of August 20, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, with loved ones by her side. She was born on February 27, 1927, in Appleton to the late Walter and Alma (Rehfeldt) Piette.

At 99 years old, Shirley was a constant driving force in the lives of all who knew and loved her—a steady presence we all look for in life. From the beginning of her life until her final breath, Shirley demonstrated a strength, resilience, and faith that carried her through life's joys and challenges. Her strong faith was the foundation of her life and remained with her throughout her 99 years.

She was a loving and devoted mother to her 8 children: Karen (Glenn) Turner of Austin, Texas; Christine Sherrod of Round Rock, Texas; Ruth (Ron) Biese of Weyauwega; Scott (Michele) Krause of Appleton; LuAnn (Clair) Erb of Krakow; Lana (Jerry) Koepsel of Appleton; Mark (Cindy) Krause of Appleton; and Tim (Kerri) Krause of Neenah. She was also blessed with 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, with one more soon to arrive, and one great-great-grandchild.

Family was at the center of Shirley's life. But her definition of family extended far beyond blood. Over the years, she opened her heart and her home to so many who came to see her as Mom or Grandma, often filling a void in their lives with her love, encouragement, and care. There were many who were not born into the Krause family but were most certainly welcomed into it.

Shirley had many loves throughout her life. She enjoyed music and traveling, watching the birds, tending to her beautiful flowerbeds, following politics, and loving the many furry companions who brought her joy over the years. She was also a devoted Milwaukee Brewers fan and enjoyed cheering for her team.

Her first job was as a telephone operator, although she was eventually told it probably wasn't going to be the best fit for her because she was too chatty. Shirley would later work as an aide at Appleton Medical Center. She also spent many years helping at the family trout farm where countless memories were made and many lifelong friendships were formed.

Yet, of all the jobs Shirley held throughout her life, none was more important to her than being a mother and grandmother. Raising eight children was her greatest work and her greatest legacy. Her family was the center of her world, and her influence will continue through generations to come.

Shirley also generously gave her time to others. She volunteered at the Performing Arts Center, was involved with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and spent many years chaperoning school events and supporting the activities that were important to her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her children and their families, Shirley is also survived by her sisters-in-law Ginny Piette and Mary Piette; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph, to whom she was married for 55 years; grandson Tyler Biese; her parents and four brothers: Russell Piette, Norbert (Rose) Piette, Wayne Piette, and Carl Piette.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, aides, and therapists at St. Paul and St. Elizabeth for the love and care they provided Shirley over the past several years. A heartfelt thank you is also extended to Compassus Hospice for the comfort, compassion, and care they provided during her final weeks.

A special thank you also goes to Hagar, the Comfort Dog at Faith Lutheran Church, who brought Shirley so much comfort and joy over the past five years.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 E. Glendale Avenue, Appleton. Friends and family may call at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at Highland Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial funds have been established for the Comfort Dog Ministry at Faith Lutheran Church.

For 99 years, Shirley was a daughter, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a great-great-grandmother, a friend, and for so many, simply Mom or Grandma. She was a constant in a world that is always changing. While her family will deeply miss her presence, the love, strength, faith, and countless memories she leaves behind will remain.

And those who were fortunate enough to know Shirley will carry a little piece of that constant with them always.