Shirley M. Duffy

Shirley M. (née Baertsch) Duffy, age 96, of 556 Minnesota Street, Winona, passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Sauer Health Care in Winona.

She was born on October 21, 1927, to Grant and Hilda (Lorenz) Baertsch at home in Eagle Valley, rural Fountain City, WI.  She attended her first eight grades in a one-room schoolhouse in Eagle Valley, and high school in Fountain City.  She then attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, and Bethesda Lutheran School of Nursing in St. Paul, MN, serving in the World War II US Cadet Nurse Corps.

Shirley was baptized on January 8, 1928, renewed her baptismal vows through confirmation on March 29, 1942, and was united in marriage with Hugh E. Duffy on June 11, 1949, all at St. Michael’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Fountain City.  Hugh preceded her in death on August 23, 2007.

Shirley worked as a registered nurse for 42 years, with the last 20 years at Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, which is now the Gundersen Health System.

She was a member of St. Martin’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Winona where she participated in various Bible study groups.  She was also a past member of the Sauer Memorial Home Auxiliary, the American Nurses Association, and Winona Ballroom Dance Club.

Shirley is lovingly survived by her daughter, Drs. Robin K. (Neil) Cowen, Carlsbad, CA; two sons: Tod K (Colleen) Duffy, Inver Grove Heights, MN; and Grant J. (Denise) Duffy, Waseca, MN; seven grandchildren: Ariel (Alexander) Jarman, Clinton, NY; Dr. Leah Cowen, Temecula, CA; Anna, Elisabeth, and William Duffy; and Margaret and Katharine Duffy; two great-grandchildren: Aster Rose and Anderson Hugh Jarman; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Hugh; brother, Duane Baertsch and his wife, Ferne; brother, Dr. Lloyd Baertsch; and nephew, William Baertsch.

Visitation will be held from 9 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at St. Martin’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 328 E. Broadway, Winona.  The Reverend Richard A. Moore and the Reverend Kyle Lewis will officiate.  Following the service, a luncheon will be held at the church.

Shirley will be laid to rest at the Fountain City Public Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be: Andrew Baertsch, Jason Baertsch, Tim Baertsch, Neil Cowen, Adam Evans, Ben Marquardt, Dale Marquardt, and Larry O’Neil.

Memorials may be directed to St. Martin’s Ev. Lutheran Church – Christ Blessing our Future.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Shirley’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.