410 East Belvidere Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030
Call Us: 847-223-8122

Shirley A. Christian

Published October 04,2023

Obituary's Biography:

Shirley A. Christian, 86, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away peacefully October 2, 2023 at her home.  She was born July 11, 1937 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI to Donald and Rosella Oilschlager.

Teaching elementary school was Shirley’s passion, she retired after 37 years at Grayslake School District 46. She served on the Board of Education at Grayslake High School District 127, the Grayslake Police Commission, the Executive Board of the Illinois Fire and Police Commissioners Association and Board of Directors for the Carrillon North Homeowners Association. Shirley was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood of Antioch, Exchange Club of Grayslake, Grayslake Lions Club, WINGS – Women Interested in Government and the Lake County Women’s Coalition. Shirley was active in the Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Grayslake serving on many committees, the Church Council and Chair of the 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2012.

Shirley is survived by her children Karen (Kirk) Christian-Smith of Round Lake Beach, John (Trisha) Christian of Barrington Hills, and Patricia Byers of Fort Lauderdale, FL, her grandchildren Lucas Christian, Benjamin Smith, Alec Christian, Molly Smith, Michael (Lisa) Lessard, and Joshua (Freddie) Johnson, her brothers Bob (Barb) Oilschlager and Ed (Denise) Oilschlager, and her sister-in-law Pat Oilschlager. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 45 years, Russell Christian, her brother Jim Oilschlager, and her grandchild Grant Christian.

A visitation is scheduled for Friday, October 6, 2023 at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm.  The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church 285 Washington Street Grayslake, IL 60030 at 10:30am visitation, 11:00am service.  Interment will be held privately.  Memorials may be made to the Grayslake Fire District.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org

11 replies on “Shirley A. Christian”

  1. We have many many great memories that will last forever. Love you!! Rest in peace.

  2. Oh, I have such fond memories of Shirley, both in our yoga classes and in our book club where she always contributed to our lively discussions. Our last meeting wasn’t that long ago. I recall her each time being immaculately dressed, with her winning smile. She will be greatly missed.

  3. Shirley was a kind & caring woman and such a vital member of Shepherd when we were there in 70s. Wonderful memories,. Peace to her family

  4. As a founder of WINGS and all her other endeavors, Shirley was a force for good in this world. Her impact there and in so many ways, ripples through those she touched for generations to come. Thank you, God, for Shirley Christian.

  5. I was so blessed to have Shirley in my life these many years. To the family I’m so sorry for your loss but she is now home with the Lord. God bless and much love to the family.

  6. This lady! What an incredible human being. She will be missed. Love and prayers to her family.

  7. So sorry to hear–Shirley was a wonderful woman….I loved the occasional chats we had!!

  8. Shirley was an exceptional woman and wonderful mentor who nurtured respect and understanding in all her relationships. Her respect for service to her community was passed on to her children. Her mentorship and pedagogy will be missed. I’m forever grateful she was an influence in my educational journey.

Comments are closed.