Shirley Przybilla
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Shirley Przybilla, 71, of Independence. Shirley was diagnosed with lung cancer in May and fought like a warrior, but sadly lost her battle on August 9, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Osseo.
Shirley lived a life filled with compassion, strength, kindness, and deep devotion to her family. Her selflessness, warmth, and generous, high-energy spirit will be remembered forever. She was a beautiful soul who cared deeply about her faith, her family and God.
Shirley was born in Milwaukee, April 29, 1955, to Peter and Marlene Marsolek. In her early years, Shirley was raised on a farm and enjoyed spending time with her siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and her Grandma Julia Marsolek and Grandpa Frank Marsolek. She also enjoyed attending Catholic Mass on Sundays with her family.
Shirley had a strong work ethic and worked hard on the family farm. She became a nursing assistant, working for many years at Trempealeau County Health Care Center. However, the role she cherished most was devoting her life to caring for and spending time with her family. Shirley loved family get-togethers, especially during the holidays. She loved to cook hot dishes, fried chicken, and potatoes. She enjoyed fishing and gathering with family afterward to share great food, drinks—including Old Milwaukee—and stories. She especially loved watching her great-nieces and great-nephews: Harlow, Brynley, and Deakon Pollock.
Shirley was united in marriage to Leon “Butch” Przybilla, June 26, 1976, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Arcadia. She was a proud mother who loved her daughters: Gerrie Przybilla of St. Cloud, MN, and Tracy Gunderson of Trempealeau, and her son-in-law, Mike Gunderson. She was a loving grandmother to her two grandchildren: Kody Gunderson and Ciera Gunderson. Shirley cherished every moment she spent with her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Shirley touched the lives of everyone who had the honor of knowing her. She enjoyed gardening, being on the farm, caring for animals, and spending time with her friend Capri and her horses. She was an avid animal lover. Border to border—and across the ocean too— Shirley’s adventurous spirit took her far and wide. Her travels included Arizona, Bahamas, California, Canada, Colorado, England, Las Vegas, Mexico, Montana, South Dakota, and Texas, with many more memorable destinations. Wherever she went, she embraced new experiences, creating lasting memories,and shared her love of adventures with those around her. She loved watching Westerns and listening to old country music. She also enjoyed trips to the casino with her sisters and cousin Sandy Leer, where she loved staying until late in the evening. Shirley especially cared for and loved Darrick Marsolek, Dustin Marsolek, Dylan Marsolek, and Danielle Pollock, and her children, whom she loved as her own.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Leon “Butch” Przybilla of Independence; daughters: Gerrie Przybilla and Tracy Gunderson; son-in-law, Mike Gunderson; grandchildren: Kody and Ciera Gunderson; and her siblings: Lorraine (Rick) Brady, Jerome “Jerry” (Tina) Marsolek, David (Marlet) Marsolek, and Mary (Bill) Borgwardt; nieces: Danielle (James) Pollock, Lori (Cory) Rud, Cassandra “Cassie” Marsolek, Adam (Andrea) Marsolek, Dylan Marsolek, Dustin Marsolek, Darrick (Angie) Marsolek, Bridget (Norm) Arendas, Scott (Nikki) Brady, Rick (Wendy) Brady, Chad (Tricia) Borgwardt; along with her great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and friends who will continue her legacy.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Marsolek; parents, Peter and Marlene Marsolek; and grandparents, Julia and Frank Marsolek.
Shirley will be always remembered and never forgotten. We remember a life lived with immense love and a constant spirit of caring. Her passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but she leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and a reminder of how important family is. We will carry on her tradition of putting family first in our lives.
Per Shirley’s wishes, a private service for family and friends will be held. A celebration of her life will take place at a later date.
