Shirley Carol Groeschel (Burghardt)

“What a wonderful woman, so loving and kind, compassionate and friendly.” Those are the phrases heard over and over when friends and acquaintances heard of her passing.

Shirley’s second son, Todd, was diagnosed with Severe Classic Hemophilia ‘A’ one year after he was born. She found little support and education locally for families dealing with hemophilia in the early 60s. Her older brother, Ronald, may have passed away at 6 months from hemophilia. The closest support group was the Chicago office of the National Hemophilia Foundation, and she would drive there to get special plasma for Todd. This plasma was not allowed in Wisconsin, and Shirley founded the Wisconsin Chapter of the Foundation to advocate for better treatment options for hemophiliacs. As director, she was remembered as a tireless fundraiser and leader, educating those unfamiliar with the condition. At the time, blood centers required a donation for each pint withdrawn, and she maintained a long list of donors to share with those needing help. Unfortunately, funding faded in the early 70s, and the chapter closed just before the law was changed and federal funding replaced donations for future hemophilia support organizations.

She worked as a fundraiser for the Medical College of Wisconsin, but health issues built up and forced her out of the workplace. After years of helping others, the loss of focus left her spirits low. In time, she met Richard Hasse, and they committed to each other on March 29, 2000. Dick lifted her spirits and put the smile back in her heart. They were well matched and enjoyed his family and hers at reunions and holidays. They were happy for years, but cancer took Dick in September of 2014. She struggled with the loss and loneliness. With the help of new friends and stronger relationships with her sons, granddaughter, and great-grandchildren, her loneliness subsided, allowing her later years to be some of her happiest.

Shirley C. Groeschel (Burghardt) was 88 years old. She was born October 26, 1937, in Milwaukee, WI, daughter of the late Walter and Gertrude (Erbe) Burghardt. She passed on August 14, 2026, at West Allis Memorial Hospital in West Allis, when complications of an earlier operation arose suddenly and without warning.

Shirley will be deeply missed by her children: Todd Groeschel, Curtis Groeschel (Patricia); granddaughter: Ashley Nielson; great-grandchildren: Mackenzee and Axel Nielsen. She is further survived by her siblings: JoAnn Lindquist and Doug (Laurie) Burghardt; many nieces; nephews and their extended families.

Shirley was preceded in death by her longtime loving companion, Richard Hasse; four brothers: Bruce (Joyce) Burghardt, Russ (Joan) Burghardt, Donald Burghardt (Dorothy), and Ronald Burghardt; sister, Marion Burghardt; in-laws Stan Lindquist, Joyce Burghardt, Joan Burghardt, Dorothy Burghardt, and Carol Hasse.

Shirley’s life will be celebrated at First United Methodist Church, West Allis, located at 7520 W Lapham St, West Allis, WI 53214, on September 12, 2026. Visitation at 10:00 am, followed by the service at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow the service in the church Fellowship Hall.