Shirley Thornton

Shirley Ann Thornton, 76, of McGregor died Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at Crossing Rivers Health Center, Prairie du Chien, WI. Funeral Services were held Monday, July 21 at First Lutheran Church, rural McGregor, with Rev. Dr. Jenny Edinger as the Officiant. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, McGregor.
Shirley was born August 6, 1937 to Harvey and Lucille (Miller) Wagner in Lansing. She was baptized at the Presbyterian Church in Rossville. She graduated from Waterville High School in 1955.
Shirley was united in marriage with Elton C. “Punk” Thornton March 26, 1955 in Waukon. Six children were born to this union, Barbara, Randy, Gary, Terry, Debra and Robert. Shirley and Elton lived in Cedar Rapids from 1955 until they moved back to the Marquette/McGregor area in 1960. Shirley worked for McGregor Electronics and then 3M until her retirement in 1996.
Shirley was an Iowa Hawkeye Basketball and Milwaukee Brewers fan. She loved supporting her grandchildren’s sports and attended as many games as she could. She enjoyed taking bus tours all over the country. Shirley also enjoyed reading, walking downtown, fishing and making her special chocolate cake and banana cream pie.
Shirley is survived by her children, Barbara Burr of McGregor, Randy (Sandy) Thornton of Marquette, Gary Thornton of La Crosse, WI, Terry (Peggy) Thornton of McGregor, Debra (Mike) Trautsch of Prairie du Chien, WI and Robert (Hope) Thornton of McGregor; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; her brother, Jim Wagner of Wauzeka, WI; and her sister, Arlene (Harold) Welch of Waukon.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Elton “Punk” in 2007; her parents; a brother, Harlan Wagner; and her daughter-in-law, Vicki.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, McGregor assisted the family with the arrangements.