Shirley A. Micklich

Shirley Ann Micklich, a lifelong resident of Joliet, passed into eternal life on August 2, 2020. Shirley was born on May 19, 1932 and attended Cunningham grade school and Joliet Township High School, from which she graduated in 1950. She then attended Joliet Junior College on a two-year scholarship from the Holly Club, majoring in business. Following graduation from JJC, Shirley began her career in banking and accountancy at Joliet Federal Savings and Loan.

Shirley met her future husband, Leonard, when they were both members of the Catholic Social Club, and where she met many lifelong friends. They were married on June 25, 1955.

After taking time off in 1963 to care for her family, Shirley resumed her career in 1970, working at the Louis Joliet Bank and Trust, where she rose to head the accounting department. She later worked for First American Bank and Beverly Bank, and was an accountant for Wunderlich Travel in Joliet.

Shirley joined the Institute of Management Accountants (formerly the National Association of Accountants) in 1976 and remained a member during retirement. Shirley served the Association as president of the local Fox River Valley chapter and as a national vice-president, and served on committees at both the local and national levels.

Shirley actively supported a number of charitable organizations. She was a member of the Ladies of Columbus for Joliet Council 382 and served as an officer for many years. As a member of St. Joseph’s parish in Joliet, Shirley belonged to the Senior Parishioners’ group, and was the group’s treasurer for many years, only stepping down in early 2020. Shirley supported Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties, and was given an award for Outstanding Volunteer Service in 1997. She was also a member of the Women of the Moose. Shirley donated to many local and national charitable organizations, especially those supporting US military veterans, animal welfare, and vocations to the priesthood.

Shirley traveled extensively throughout the US and Canada, and also enjoyed cruises and travel to Europe, especially Norway, and to Christmas markets both in Europe and the US. She loved camping, and belonged to both the Travelmaster Travel Club and the Lincoln-Way Good Sams. Shirley enjoyed working with her daughter in their craft business, particularly the creative aspects of designing patterns and cutting and sewing material. She also loved to cook and was an avid gardener.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Leonard, and her parents, John and Ann (Tadej) Klimek. She is survived by her three children: Douglas (Loralee), of Normal; Bradley, of Naperville; and Pamela (Craig Dixon), of Crest Hill, and by her sister Beatrice Young of Joliet. Shirley is also survived by four beloved grandchildren: Laura Olinger, of Lanesville, IN; Andrew, of Madison, WI; and John-Charles and Benjamin, both of Normal.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the funeral was held in August 2020 for family only. A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Joliet. The family requests that, instead of flowers, donations be made to the Holly Club of Joliet and NAWS Illinois Humane Society in Mokena.