Rebecca Jane Shikenjanski

Rebecca Jane Shikenjanski, surrounded by her beloved family, shattered the powerful bonds of ALS-Frontal Temporal Dementia and winged her way to Heaven on November 30th, 2024. Before that, though, the dash between the year she was born and the year she died was filled with family, friends, joy, and mostly, love. 

Rebecca (Becky, not Becky, Bec, Reebs) was born on November 8, 1970, to George and Twyla (Herman) Lato in West Allis, WI. Her mother remembers Becky as being a busy toddler, not able to sit still for very long. It seems she went from crawling to running, which was the beginning of Becky’s go-go-go lifestyle and persistent determination, qualities she retained and honed the rest of her life.

Following her graduation from Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha, WI, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout and graduated in 1992 with a degree in Business Administration. It was at Stout that she met a group of women who became her lifelong friends, co-conspirators, and through thick-and-thin buddies. Her first work experience was as a buyer at the Target Corporation in Minneapolis, MN. Once her kids were born, she was a stay-at-home mom, but in the years between children, she worked for Protective Technologies Inc, Gartner Studios, Evolution Lighting, Dynatronics, and Cub Foods.

On October 17, 1994, Rebecca was at Old Chicago in downtown Minneapolis when she made a bet with a very tall, good-looking guy named Jim Shikenjanski. The loser of the bet was to pay for a movie and dinner night. Jim lost the bet but won the girl. Rebecca and Jim were married on October 17, 1998–exactly four years after they first met—in a fairytale wedding. For thirty-years they remained best friends, true companions, and the loves of each other’s lives.

 Becky’s greatest accomplishment was raising her kids alongside her husband, Jim. She had a fierce, unconditional love for all things concerning Jim and her four children—Nathan, Sam, Max, and Ava. Talking about her family brought out that megawatt smile that she will be forever remembered for. Through the years she could be seen in the bleachers at many sporting events, cheering on her children at hundreds of basketball, baseball, football, and volleyball games. She was an amazing mom, filled with joy and tremendous pride as she watched her children excel in academics and athletics. She excitedly looked forward to the family photo taken for Christmas cards every year.

Not only did Becky encourage her children’s participation in sports and healthy living, but she also embraced it herself, eating only clean, healthy foods—unless it was pumpkin spice season! Becky’s diminutive size disguised a physical strength and willingness to take on challenges, including leading CrossFit classes and participating in spinning, Orangetheory, walking, and running. There was no sleep for her until she got 10,000 steps in every day. One of her major personal achievements was proudly finishing three marathons. Becky was also a social butterfly who had a great sense of humor and was always ready for a party with friends or an extended family get-together. She loved to sing even though she didn’t seem to realize that singing was one particular skill she lacked. She also found great fun in teasing people who sang the wrong song lyrics. When she laughed, she laughed with her entire body.

Rebecca is survived by her husband Jim and four children: Nathan of Plano, TX, Sam of LaCrosse, WI, Max of Minneapolis, MN, and Ava of Stillwater. Other survivors include her mother and father of Muskego, WI; and her brother Chris (Kari) and their daughter Alex of Ixonia, WI.; her mother-in-law, Pat Shikenjanski of Hudson, WI; aunts Lynn Herman (Bruce Virgin) of Cambridge, WI; Sherrie Szemraj of Janesville WI; Robin Erickson of Eau Claire, WI; and Jane (Cliff) Hollister of Thorp, WI. Additional survivors include first cousins: Anissa Rusch and Scott (Maryam) Rusch; Paul (Suzie Matthews) Szemraj and Becky’s bestie Sara (Nick) Dongarra; Mark (Jess) Erickson and Nick Erickson; and Danielle (David) Smith. She is further survived by numerous extended family members.

Rebecca was predeceased by her father-in-law, Richard Shikenjanski; her maternal and paternal grandparents, and her uncles Rog Szemraj and Jim Erickson. 

The family wishes everyone to know that they are eternally grateful for the tremendous support they received from family, friends, the Stillwater community, and many, many others who so willingly gave of themselves to offer comfort to the family through caregiving for Becky, visits, meals, cards, gift cards, monetary donations, and prayers. Although they would like to acknowledge everyone individually, they hesitate to do so in fear of leaving someone out. Please know that this in no way diminishes their deep appreciation for those who helped them in any way.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 1:00-4:00 PM at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater, MN. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to The ALS Association in Rebecca’s name. https://secure2.convio.net/alsa/site/TR/Endurance/Minnesota?px=9110284&pg=personal&fr_id=16704

Then when I leave this Earth

I'll be with the angels standin'

I'll be out there waiting for my true companion.

(Marc Cohn)