Shirlene R. Kading

Shirlene R. Kading, 89, passed away on May 10 in the comfort of her home surrounded by so much love. Our hearts are broken but comforted by knowing she is rejoicing in Heaven.

Shirlene was born on January 2, 1936, in Monroe, Wisconsin to Frank L Hartwig and Elda M Hartwig. She was raised on a dairy farm with 4 brothers. They all attended a one-room school and then moved to town with their grandma to go to High School. She met Hal at Turner Hall, a local dance hall in January 1954 and they were married in December of that year. Hal and Shirlene traveled across the western states for 10+ years landing in California. Eventually they ended up in Las Cruces, NM in the aviation business. In Mom’s later stages of dementia, she talked about California with such fondness. Shirlene was Hal’s right-hand girl for 50+ years as they operated their business, Southwest Aviation. She was also Hal’s copilot flying in many different airplanes, traveling thousands of miles across the US and Mexico!

Shirlene is preceded in death by her parents, 4 brothers and grandson, Chris. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Hal, son Jim, daughter Patti (Brandon), Hal’s newly found daughter, Robin (Rick), 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

A celebration on life will be scheduled at a later date.