Laurel Marie Shulze

Laurel Marie Shulze passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the age of 74, in her home in Janesville, Wisconsin.  Laurel is a former resident of Footville, Wisconsin where she resided for many years with her ex-husband Michael “Blaine” Whisler Sr. and their children Michael, Kristopher, and Jonathan.

Laurel was born on January 22, 1951 to John and Lois (Ittel) Shulze.  She graduated high school as part of the inaugural graduating class of (then named) James Madison Memorial High School in Madison, Wisconsin (Class of 1969).  She attended University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh for her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education.  Laurel went on to pursue two Master’s Degrees at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater in the field of education.  Laurel taught for decades within the School District of Janesville, having worked with students with disabilities (and many others) at all levels of the 4k-12th grade system - including adults with developmental disabilities.  Laurel was proud of being on the forefront of inclusive practices within public education after the passing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1975.  Much of her professional career was spent leading, mentoring, and engaging alongside other educators in the State of Wisconsin and School District of Janesville. 

After retirement, Laurel dedicated her time to her grandchildren, crafting (i.e., sewing, knitting, pottery painting, etc.), gardening, and training therapy dogs.  She shared and received much happiness in all of these endeavors.  Shaymus and Barklee, her trained therapy dogs, spent many a day with Laurel, bringing much love, happiness, and calm to children and adults alike.

Laurel is survived by her children Michael Blaine (Abby) Whisler Jr., Kristopher Whisler (Sara Diaz), and Jonathan Whisler (Cynthia Kozlowski); and her grandchildren Bailey Whisler (Kassia Lesiewicz) , Rylee McDonald, Elizabeth Whisler, Katie McDonald, Connor Whisler, Kamrein Whisler; bonus grandchildren - DeAngelo Diaz, Grayson Kozlowski, and McKenna Kozlowski; her siblings Michael Shulze, Kevin Shulze (Jan Smith), Maureen (Scott) Bretsch, and Eric Shulze (Christa Nitsche).  She is also survived by two of her many faithful companions - Barklee and Misty.

Laurel was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lois Shulze, and her siblings Rod, Roberta, and Kathleen; her ex-husband, Michael “Blaine” Whisler Sr.; as well as all of those furry companions that have crossed the “Rainbow Bridge” and will be waiting on the other side.

A private celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Burlington, Wisconsin from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

Flowers and well-wishes can be sent to: Integrity Celebration Center, 2789 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington, Wisconsin 53105.  As an avid gardener, Laurel would love any donations to be made in her name to the (Janesville) Rotary Botanical Garden.  Information on how to donate in her name can be found on their website, (https://www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/tributes-and-memorials).