Shirley A. Niepoetter, 88, passed away at 3:05 pm on Sunday, November 27, 2016 after a courageous bout with lung cancer. She was born on August 8, 1928 in Bessemer, Michigan to John and Ira Erickson and was one of four children. Shirley was chosen as Queen of Gogelic County in 1945 and graduated near the top of her high school class.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents and brother Jack. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Donald D. Niepoetter, who was at her side at the time of death; son Dale E. Schmidt of Littleton, Colorado, sister Doris Scari of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and brother James Erickson of Conroe, Texas; three grandchildren, Donald Schmidt, John Schmidt and Sean Schmidt, all of the Littleton Colorado area and two great grandchildren.

After graduating from high school in Bessemer, she spent most of her adult life working in the Chicago, Illinois area as a legal and executive secretary. She retired from Lucent Technologies, formerly AT&T Bell Research labs, located in Niperville, Illinois.

Shirley was cremated and internment will be at a later date. She will be greatly missed by her husband and all who knew her.

Good-bye Shirl, it was a great trip with you. Your loving husband, Don!