Sally Rae Schirk-Ehrlich

PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. — Sally Rae Schirk-Ehrlich, 89, of Port Washington, Wis., formerly of Kingsford, died peacefully with her husband and family members by her side on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, at her residence.

She was born on May 30, 1933, in Beloit, Wis., and was raised in Florence, Wis., where she graduated from Florence High School with the class of 1951. She married Albert Schirk in 1952 and after raising her family she worked at the Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District for many years until she retired and relocated to Port Washington.

While a resident of Kingsford she was an active member of Kiwanis International, the Dickinson County Community Theater in which she participated in many productions and was the secretary of the Kiwanis Ski Club for many years. Sally spent many summers at her cottage on Lake Ellwood in Spread Eagle, Wis., where she loved soaking up the sun, growing her tomatoes, and spending time with family and friends.

Sally married Paul Ehrlich on Oct. 13, 2001, celebrating their 22nd wedding anniversary this year. The two met at a Kiwanis Convention. After they were married, they resided in Port Washington.

Sally was an active member in numerous organizations. She continued to be involved with Kiwanis International in Port Washington along with the Red Hatters Society and was a former member of the Ozaukee Commission on Aging.

With her signature red hair and friendly vibrant personality, Sally loved to have a good time. Every July she happily entertained friends and family at their home in Port Washington on Fish Day to watch the parade go by.

Sally had a personality where she could talk to anyone. She was a great conversationalist and she always showed interest in what you had to say. She loved her morning coffee and sitting in the sun. She also enjoyed going to performances with her husband Paul at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Stackner Cabaret. Sally loved to go to Florida for the month of March and she even went parasailing in her later years.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Paul M. Ehrlich; her children, Michael (Marianne) Schirk, Diane (Mark) McKinnon, Daniel (Ann) Schirk, and John (special friend Karen Bolander) Schirk. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Michelle (Dan) Luba, Maria (Rick) Nuedling, Marleen Ehrlich-Johnson, Teresa Ehrlich, Hans (Melody) Ehrlich, Michael (Carrie) Ehrlich, and Krista (Joel) Gunnlaugsson. Together with their blended family they had 33 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She is further survived by her sister, Frances (Jim) Johnson and her brother, Dale (Mary) Graves.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Doris (nee Graves) Lecnor; her first husband, Albert Schirk; and her sister, Edith (Jim) Stankovsky.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 West Grand Ave. Port Washington.

There will be additional visitation Friday, Feb. 10 from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. John XIII Parish – St. Peter of Alcantara Church, 1800 N. Wisconsin St. in Port Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11 a.m.

She will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Port Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Greater Port Washington Kiwanis Club.

Sally’s family wishes to send a heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Harbor Club Campus and ProMedica Hospice.

The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com