Shirley Van

Shirley Van (Shirley Mae Volm), 95 years young, passed away on October 23, 2026. Known legally in her private family life as Shirley Mae Volm, she was known to generations of dancers, parents, and colleagues as Shirley Van.

Shirley was a pillar of the Green Bay community. From her involvement with the Green Bay Packer cheerleaders, to her decades-long leadership of Shirley Van's Dance Studio and The Dance Company, she has had a profound impact on the lives of numerous people throughout the area. She taught young women and men how to dance and instilled within them a set of skills that could be utilized in every aspect of their lives. Those included, among other things, respect, kindness, empathy, dedication, resilience and determination. Though most of Shirley's time was spent teaching others on the dance floor, her impact and legacy will carry far beyond now that the curtain has closed.

Shirley was born on March 16, 1931 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to the late Richard and Mildred Vanden Branden. On November 26, 1953, Shirley married Frank L. Volm who preceded her in death on June 29, 2017.

A gifted dancer from an early age, Shirley pursued her passion with rigorous training at the prestigious Stone-Camryn School of Ballet in Chicago. She went on to expand her artistic repertoire by studying under jazz dance pioneers Gus Giodano, Luigi, Joe Tremaine and Matt Mattox. This world-class education laid the foundation for her life's work, inspiring her to bring the highest standard of dance education back to her own students. She shaped decades of dancers with a brilliant technical foundation and an undeniable love for the art form. She began teaching dance in 1945.

A graduate of St. Norbert College, Shirley spent six years as the instructor of dance and movement at the college and 16 years as the choreographer for St. Norbert College Music Theatre productions. She also worked with area schools, choreographing dozens of productions. Shirley was a co-founder of the Green Bay Chapter of Adventures In Movement, a program aimed at teaching dance to handicapped children in schools. She established the Footlight Dance Theater, an educational troupe that visited local schools and illustrated and explained the art of dance. She created a 10-member liturgical dance group and voluntarily choreographed the Miss Green Bay and Miss De Pere Pageants. She consulted with swing choirs and dance teams at area schools. She also brought dance to local nursing homes.

In 1974, Shirley founded the People's Ballet Company, known today as The Dance Company. As the artistic Director for the company, she gratuitously choreographed and directed numerous performances involving hundreds of area dancers. These productions included 41 Nutcracker performances, Cinderella, Aladdin, Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, Rhapsody in Blue and the Little Mermaid. Shirley's happiest moments were spent surrounded by her beloved dancers, a dedicated board, and the selfless volunteers who altogether made the company her true home. Every aspect of the company brought her immense joy.

For nine years, Shirley was the choreographer and director of the Green Bay Packers cheerleaders. In 1982 she received the Fort Howard Paper Foundation John P. Cofrin Fine Arts Award.

A passionate animal lover, Shirley raised poodles and boxers. Her deep care for animals led her to establish a dog grooming business called K-9 Clippers. She worked with Packerland Kennel Club and as an assistant to a veterinarian, where she spent many years helping local pets and their families.

While Shirley had many achievements throughout her life, her greatest and most enduring achievement is the legacy that her teachings will have on the lives of hundreds of individuals for years to come.

A heartfelt thank you to Benna Armstrong for the countless years of loving care, unwavering friendship and comfort she provided. Thank you to the community of volunteers, board members and families whose dedication keeps the studio's doors open and Shirley's dream alive. Thank you Jeri Deprey, Jeff Miller, Dr. Sam Vainisi, Janet Angus and Greg Ludwig for your many years of support and kindness. Thank you to the dedicated team at Rennes Health and Rehab Center for their exceptional and compassionate care.

Friends may call at BLANEY FUNERAL HOME, 1521 Shawano Avenue, Green Bay, Wisconsin from 5pm to 8pm, Wednesday, October 28, 2026. A service will begin at 6:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to The Dance Company. The Dance Company is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization.