Shelby J. Schirz

Shelby J. Schirz, 79, devoted wife of Paul, peacefully passed away at home with family on Saturday, June 12, 2026, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Her passing came just a few days after the loss of her beloved husband, Paul.

Born April 14, 1947 in Elgin, Illinois. She is the oldest of two children of the late Wallace and Evelyn Tinberg. At the age of four, her family moved to Watertown, Wisconsin, where she was raised on the family dairy farm and graduated from Watertown High School.

She attended Stout State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Home Economics. She began her career teaching Home Economics before returning to graduate school where she earned a Master of Education degree in Guidance and Counseling from University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Shelby went on to serve for many years as a guidance counselor and educator at Mosinee High School, touching the lives of countless students. Known for her energy, creativity, and genuine concern for others, Shelby was often the teacher and counselor that students remembered long after graduation. She was an innovative and proactive educator who continually sought new ways to support young people such as introducing parenting classes, inviting guest speakers, and creating opportunities that helped students prepare for life beyond the classroom. Her compassion, creativity, and dedication left a lasting impact on generations of students and families.

On June 28, 1986, she married Garald 'Gary' Emerich in Farmington, Wisconsin, and became a loving stepmother to his three children. The couple made their home in the Stevens Point area for fifteen years. Gary preceded her in death on September 5, 2001, after a difficult battle with cancer.

On November 25, 2005 she married Paul Schirz at St. Philip’s Church in Rudolph, Wisconsin. Together they shared a beautiful partnership and marriage for more than twenty years, filled with love, faith, family, and friendship.

She is survived by her stepchildren, Polly (Emerich) Ebbinger, Dawn Emerich, Adam Emerich, Lisa Schirz, Amy Jeanty (Vic), and Andrew Schirz (Bev); her sister, Sharon Tinberg Mingey (James); and her cherished grandchildren, Samantha and Donovan Froehlich, Shannon, Ryan and Jordan Heil, Aiden and Aubrey Emerich, David Schirz, Casey and Katie Nash, and Maria, Niko, and Benny (Madi) Schirz. She is also survived by her great-granddaughter, Ellie Schirz.

The family would like to thank Courtney, Keely, Anne, Kristin, and all of the wonderful care team members and staff at Compassus Home Health and Compassus Hospice of Plover. A very special thank you also to some extremely helpful and compassionate friends of the family, especially Colleen Miskowiak, Michelle Syring, and Amy Sylvia, along with many fabulous and energetic neighbors. On behalf of the family, we would also like to thank Pisarski Funeral Homes for their dedication and thoughtfulness, especially David, during this difficult time.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Shelby will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at St. Philip’s Catholic Church, 6957 Grotto Avenue, Rudolph. Fr. Joseph Glatczak will officiate.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 9:30 AM until time of service at the church. Burial will follow in All Souls Cemetery. Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the Schirz, Tinberg, and Emerich Families. To offer online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com.