Shirley Jean LaMotte Kohel, age 71 of Keshena, went on to the spirit world on Sunday, May 12, 2013. Born on September 2, 1941 in Keshena, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Odile (Pierce) LaMotte, Sr. In her younger years, Shirley lived in the Chicago area before moving back to the Menominee Reservation where she lived the rest of her life. She was a hard worker and enjoyed her job cooking at Maehnowesekiyah, retiring in 2012 after more than 25 years. Shirley was a generous and caring lady who was a well respected Elder of the Menominee Tribe. She had a passion for cooking and baking and loved passing on her skills to her granddaughters and nieces. Another one of her passions was keeping up the traditions of the Menominee People making hull corn. Shirley was known for lighting up "Hull Corn Hill" for every holiday. She also loved being a grandmother and great-grandmother and was an avid bingo player. But her true joy in life came from caring for baby, Sequoia Wychesit as well as for her brother, Louie and her sister, Barbara. Shirley is survived by: 7 children, Brenda (Michael Mohawk, Jr.) Kohel of Bowler, Madeline Kohel of Waupaca, Faye Kohel of Keshena, Joseph (Mona Arispe) Newton of Keshena, Jeffrey (Stephanie Peters) Wychesit of Keshena, Sequoia Wychesit of Keshena, Anthony Kohel of Green Bay; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her brother, Louis LaMotte; her sister, Barbara LaMotte; and numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded by: her parents; and her siblings, Leighton LaMotte, Joseph LaMotte, Elizabeth "Betty" Wolf, and Loretta LaMotte. Funeral services will be held 11:00am on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at the St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Neopit with the Rev. David McElroy O.Praem officiating. Visitation will be held at the Neopit Community Center from 6:00pm on Monday until the time of the service on Wednesday. A Parish Wake Service will be held at the center on Tuesday at 7:30pm. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano is assisting the family with the arrangements. www.swedbergfuneralhome.com