Shirley A. Huber

Shirley Huber, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away at age 78 on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin, after facing a long 18-year journey with cancer, with her husband, Dennis “Denny” Huber, by her side.

She was born on October 1, 1946, to Harold and Susan (Haas) Muenzenberger in La Crosse. She graduated from Cashton High School in 1964. At the age of 18, she took her first job outside of the family farm, working at Ellickson Studio in La Crosse, where she colorized and retouched portraits—a creative role that showcased her attention to detail and artistic talent.

Shirley married Richard Huber in 1967 after meeting in high school. She joined him during his Air Force service in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and later in Sumter, South Carolina, before returning to the La Crosse area. They settled into their first home, a converted radio station in Sparta, Wisconsin, and later moved into their dream home on the Mississippi River in La Crescent, Minnesota, where they raised their daughter, Holly. Together, they purchased the Numsen TV & Appliance business in La Crosse and began the Aaron Apartment rental business in La Crescent. They led an active life—boating, traveling, bowling, and golfing together. Shirley also enjoyed a side business selling Home Interiors & Gifts décor, working alongside her mother-in-law, Evelyn Jensen. They were married for 15 years.

Shirley’s love of adventure naturally led her to a career in the travel industry. She began as a tour leader with Trailways motorcoach tours, guiding groups with an entertaining blend of humor, historical facts, trivia, and cow drawing contests. When she became a travel agent—first with La Crosse Travel and later with Party House Travel—she often worked late, dedicated to helping clients plan meaningful trips and find the best deals. Before retirement, she spent 18 years in customer service at The Company Store—a role that matched her helpful, friendly nature and, as a bonus, kept her home well-stocked with cozy bedding and towels.

Shirley met Denny Anderson during her time with Trailways, and they were married in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1987. Over their 38 years together, they built a full life, both professionally and personally. They founded Anderson Rentals through the purchase of several local properties while continuing to work their full-time jobs. In their free time, they shared a love of travel—visiting far-off places like Hawaii, England, and the Bahamas, along with road trips to New England, California, and Nevada. In later years, their adventures shifted closer to home, often taking the scenic route along backroads. They returned with stories about the hidden gems they’d find and a tally of wildlife spotted along the way. Whether near or far, fun and laughter always surrounded their adventures.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Dennis “Denny” Huber; daughter, Holly (Ken) Barber of Neenah, WI; grandson, Kaden Barber; stepson, Dennis "Butch" (Pam) Anderson Jr. and their daughters, Jaquelyn and Danielle; stepdaughter Lee (Jeff) Ludvik and their daughters, Kelsey and Alyssa; and LeShelle, daughter of the late LeRoy "Fred" Anderson. She is also survived by her brothers, Robert (Sally) Muenzenberger of Cashton, WI, and Randy (Barb) Muenzenberger of Coon Valley, WI; six nieces and nephews; and many other dear relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Susan Muenzenberger, and stepson, LeRoy "Fred" Anderson.

The family would like to thank the care teams at Mayo Clinic Health System hospitals in La Crosse and Rochester, and the staff and hospice team at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center, for their compassion, kindness, and support in Shirley’s final months.

Nature, animals, and the Mississippi River brought Shirley constant amusement, joy, and comfort, and were often topics of conversation. We hope you’ll think of her when you see the peaceful Mississippi River or wildlife looking for a snack at the feeder. We like to imagine she’s nearby, quietly enjoying the view as well.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Crucifixion Catholic Church in La Crescent, MN. Rev. John L. Evans, II will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church.