Republic – Shirley E. Vierela, age 83, passed away on Monday August 20, 2012 at the Mather Nursing Center with her loving husband by her side. She had been under the care of the Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice.


Shirley was born October 28, 1928 in Milwaukee, WI the daughter of the late Adam & Leona (Service) Nyman. She grew up in Milwaukee until age 16 when her family moved to Republic for work. It is in Republic that she met Vernon Vierela, whom she married on January 6, 1947. Together they raised their family, Shirley working in the summer months as a waitress in Montana, while Vernon worked in the woods from 1956 - 1971. They would then come back to Republic for the winter months.
Shirley had managed the Past Time Lanes in Republic from 1962 – 1967. She was an avid bowler, sporting an above 180 average in her prime. In the late 1970's through the early 1980's she managed the Shell station in South Republic. She was an avid Detroit Tigers and Green Bay Packers fan. Shirley had also enjoyed gardening.

Survivors include her husband Vernon Vierela of Ishpeming Twp., 2 sons – James Veirela of Ishpeming and John (Donna) Vierela of Milwaukee, WI, a sister Joanne Brown of Port Washington, WI, a brother Richard Nyman of Milwaukee, WI, 3 grandchildren Jennifer, Robert and Austin Vierela, along with a great grandson Devin. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, and a sister Betty Anderson.


The family will greet relatives and friends from 1:00 until 2:00pm on Friday, August 24, 2012 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 2:00pm on Friday at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with Andy Kandoll to officiate.