Shirley J. Sitz, (nee Swenson) age 85 of River Falls, passed away suddenly in River Falls on Feb. 11, 2010.  Shirley was born the 2nd child of Walter and Nettie (Anderson) Swenson in River Falls.  She was baptized and confirmed at Rush River Lutheran Church.  Shirley attended the Gertrude Country School through 8th grade and graduated from River Falls High School with the class of 1942. 

Shirley grew up on the family farm in the Town of River Falls with her 4 sisters and 3 brothers.  After high school, Shirley went to business school and worked in Minneapolis.  It was there that she met a handsome German named Daniel Sitz.  On June 15, 1944, they were united in marriage at Salem English Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.  Dan was a semi truck driver most of his life, while Shirley raised their children and farmed.  Together they moved many times between Hutchinson, Minnesota and Mauston, Wisconsin before returning to River Falls.  Shirley continued to manage the Holsteins for many years at the farm where her grandparents previously resided.  She had a very strong faith.  All her life, she was active in her church, serving on many committees, teaching Sunday school for 30 years, and participating in Circle and Altar Guild.    Her gift for making quilts was evident in the 75 quilt tops she made each year that were tied and donated by the quilters at church.  She had beautiful flower beds and found competition at the County Fair an exciting challenge.  She loved making beautiful, unique arrangements.  Shirley was an avid reader, and also wrote poetry.  She was a 4-H leader for 20 years.  Dan and Shirley loved camping with friends and together started the River Falls Area Good Sam Club.  They were active with the club for 10 years.  In 1987, Dan and Shirley celebrated 43 years of marriage.  Daniel was taken to heaven in January of 1988.  Shirley continued to live on the family farm until May of 2008 when she moved into town.  Her family came first as she followed all the children and grandchildren’s activities.  Euchre was her favorite pastime and she could make a loner out of a hand of 9’s.  She was a member of Rush River Lutheran Church, The Women of the Moose, and the Legion Auxiliary.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Nettie Swenson; husband, Daniel Sitz; and brother, David Swenson.  Shirley is survived by her children, Thomas (Maxine) Sitz of River Falls,  Douglas (Robbye) Sitz of River Falls, Janet (Mike) Wallace of New Richmond, Dr. Wendell (Anne) Sitz of O’Neill, Nebraska, Kathryn (Wendell) Attoe of Neillsville, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Rachel Sitz, Angela (Ben) Schott, Danny Sitz, Ted Sitz, David (Jennifer) Beecroft, Annie Powers, Erin Wallace, Matthew Sitz, Andrew Sitz, Ian Sitz, Marie Sitz, Stephanie Attoe, Jordan Attoe, and Molly Attoe; 7 great-grandchildren; close friend, Jim Lubich; sisters, Arlene Odbert, Verda (Bob) Grefe, Norma (Lloyd) Nelson, Edith (Minnard) Hojem; brothers, John (Ardis) Swenson and Roger (Pat) Swenson;  and many nieces, nephews relatives and friends.  A memorial visitation was held on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 from 3-7pm at the Bakken-Young Funeral Home in River Falls.  A Memorial Service was held on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 1 pm at the Rush River Lutheran Church in rural River Falls.  Interment was in the Rush River Lutheran Cemetery.  Arrangements were with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls.