Freeport – Shirley Whitehead, 89 of Freeport passed away peacefully at Liberty Village on Saturday August 9, 2025.  She was born June 12, 1936 to Paul and Dorothy (Brown) Wagenknecht, the first of twelve children.  She married Stanley Whitehead on June 29, 1958.  Stanley passed away August 26, 2014.

Shirley worked for many years at Structo Manufacturing and Micro Switch Manufacturing where she retired from. She enjoyed her family and extended family very much.  She was an avid bowler and she served many years as the league secretary, receiving an award for her many years for holding that office.  She was also a member of the Freeport Moose Lodge.

She is survived by her children Wayne (Dawn) Whitehead, Steven (Laurie) Whitehead, Mark (Stacy Spoden) Whitehead and Daughter, Elaine (Philip) Miller.  She also leaves behind Four brothers and four sisters: Kenny (LaVonne) Wagenknecht, Jim (Cheryle) Wagenknecht, Robert (Nahne) Wagenknecht and Roger Wagenknecht, Sharon Loring, Sally Pfile, Sherry (Ken) Gross, Carol Sue (Len) Abraham and one Sister-in-law, Lorraine Whitehead.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her son, Dale Whitehead. She also lost a granddaughter, Carrie Miller and grandson, Jason Miller. She is also preceded by her brothers, Gene, Ralph and Donald Wagenknecht.

Her legacy includes 14 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

There will be a visitation held on Friday, August 15th beginning at 10:30am at Walker Mortuary immediately followed by a service at 11:30am.  A memorial has been established in her name.  Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com.