Shirley L. Merten

Shirley L. Merten, age 75 of Oshkosh, WI passed away at Ascension NE- St. Elizabeth Hospital on Friday, October 31, 2025. She was born on May 6, 1950 to the late William and Lois (Buchholz) McConnell in Ripon. Shirley grew up in Eureka, WI, graduating from Omro High School in 1968.

Shirley worked for the University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh for 28 years. At retirement, she was the supervisor for custodial services for buildings and grounds. It was while working for UWO that she met her husband, Gregory “Mert” Merten. Shirley and Greg married July 19, 1985, and were together for a total of 43 wonderful years. Together, they enjoyed things such as hunting and fishing to sitting together on the front porch listening to music or watching the Brewers; they were truly best friends who loved just being together. Other activities that Shirley liked to do were quilting, cross-stitching and playing games.

Above all, Shirley was a dedicated wife, mother, and especially grandmother to her five grandsons. Family was everything to her. It was important to her that all around her were well taken care of, always putting others first.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Greg Merten; children, Michelle (Tim Carter) Hart, Rob (Rachel) Hart, Sarah (Damon) Mogensen; grandchildren, Samuel and Jackson Hodsden, Wilderness Hart and Hunter and Elliott Mogensen; sisters, Sharon Weyers, Billie Jean (William) Parks, Joy Elliott and Kathleen (Joel) Eisch; sisters-in-law, Diane (Steve) Gibson and Cathy (Jeff) Boettcher. She is further survived by nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Chuck Weyers.

A celebration of life for Shirley will be held in the summer of 2026.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful ICU staff of St. Elizabeth Hospital for their compassionate care during her final days.