Shirley Mae `Pinky` Vertein

Shirley M. “Pinky” Vertein, age 78, of North Freedom, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Monday, May 25, 2026, at home.

Shirley, daughter of Melvin and Margaret (Parks) Schultz was born January 30, 1948, in Baraboo. She was a graduate of Baraboo High School, Class of 1968. On June 28, 1969, she was united in marriage to Verllyn R. Vertein in Baraboo; he preceded her in death on May 25, 2001. Pinky met Verllyn while working at Teel in Baraboo. She then worked at Wisconsin Cheeseman until taking a job in the deli department at Pierce’s. In her free time, she enjoyed all things crafting: mending, knitting, sewing, cross-stitch, crocheting, as well as gardening, the Oak Ridge Boys and cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers. Family fondly remembers her many years dedicated to the Sauk County 4-H sewing, knitting and crocheting groups. She was a long-time member of New Life Advent Community Christian Church for many years.

Survivors include her son, Daren (Crysti) Vertein; granddaughter, Lynndred; grandson, Judah; great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Dianne Mabrey, all of Indiana; siblings, Walter “Butch” (Rita) Schultz, Marilyn Urben, Roy “Choppa” (Sherry) Schultz, Sr.; her ‘other sons’, Roy (Ashley) Schultz, Jr. and Alex (Savannah) Johnson; she is also survived her brother-in-law, Russel Vertein and nieces, nephews, other relatives, her dear cat Milly, and many other friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Floyd “Buck” Hewitt; husband, Verllyn; sister, Mary Weber; nephew, Richard John Neisus; brothers-in-law, Philip Urben, Orville Vertein, Paul Enders; and sisters-in-law, Bev Vertein, Janet Vertein, Phyllis Enders.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at New Life Community Advent Christian Church with Pastor Jesse Stevens officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in North Freedom.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society are appreciated.

To help celebrate Pinky, the family asks that you dress comfortably as she would like.