Shirley Ziegler

Shirley Ziegler
April 7, 1929 - July 19, 2015

Shirley Jean Ziegler, 86, of Oelwein passed away on Sunday July 19, 2015 at Arlington Place in Oelwein. Visitation will be from 9:30- 11:30 AM on Thursday July 23, 2015 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein. Funeral services will then follow at 11:30 AM. Private burial services will be in Woodlawn Cemetery at Oelwein. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Shirley’s honor to the Williams Center for the Arts and the Oelwein Area Historical Society.

Shirley was born in Toulon, IL on April 7, 1929. At the age of 5, her parents Moses and Lucy Dison passed away. She was adopted when she was 7 years old by Carden and Eugenia (Darlington) Cannaven. Fifty years later, she was reunited with her biological brothers and sisters of whom she was the youngest.

Shirley graduated from University High School at the University of Chicago in 1947. She then attended the University of Illinois at Champaign where she was a member of the Tri-Delta Sorority. Shirley had a modeling career in Chicago that included a 7-UP commercial and advertisement. On March 10, 1951 she was united in marriage with William “Bill” Ziegler in Chicago. Shirley owned and managed Oelwein Tour & Travel. She had been a member and president of the Oelwein Community School Board.

Shirley enjoyed travelling with Bill, her husband of 59 years. She never met a stranger, as she enjoyed people very much. Shirley loved singing and was an accomplished pianist. Most of all, she enjoyed her family.

Left to celebrate Shirley’s life are her children: Shari (Jeff) Weeden of Cleveland, OH, Marsha (Robin) Shepherd of Vieques, Puerto Rico and Bill Ziegler Jr. of Olga, WA; her grandchildren: Jamie Jo (Matt) Wahlert, Jacob Weeden, Cariad Shepherd, Eric (Tamara) Shepherd, Billy (Kelly) Ziegler III, and Hattie (Andrew) Ring; and her great-grandchildren: Beau and Lilee Wahlert, Phillip Ring, Josie and William Jacob Ziegler IV.

She was preceded in death by her parents Carden and Eugenia, her biological parents Moses and Lucy, her husband Bill, her daughter- in-law Mary Beth (Sperry) Ziegler and her brothers and sisters: Henson, Nina, Ruth, Kennith, Minnie, Mack, Dean and Jean (Dison) and her sister Carla Cannaven.

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Ron and Ann Garceau on July 30, 2015 at 11:58 AM said:

We just returned from vacation and read of your Mother's death. So sorry that we weren't here for her funeral. Please accept our sincere sympathy.

Cy & Mona Nelson on July 28, 2015 at 5:24 PM said:

We have been traveling and just learned of your mom's passing. Thanks for sharing her with the Oelwein community. She loved life and made the most of it. Thinking of you as you grieve her passing and cherish the memories.

William Ziegler on July 25, 2015 at 3:37 PM said:

Thank you everyone for your kind comments. It means a lot to us. Billy Ziegler

Kevin Ford on July 24, 2015 at 5:13 AM said:

Billy, Shari and Marsha,

I am sorry for your families' loss. I treasure the years growing up as a neighbor of the Ziegler's. There was always a warm feeling of welcoming in your home...and your mom was the cornerstone of that environment. I will continue to pray for you and your family, as you remember and miss your mom.

love,
Kevin Ford

Cindy (Keniston) Doyle on July 23, 2015 at 6:08 PM said:

Shari, Marsha, Billy and families,
I was so sadden to read of the passing of your mom (grandma) . Shirley was a very kind wonderful lady. I will remember her fondly. If I can be of any help please let me know.

Mike Hornung on July 22, 2015 at 12:36 PM said:

Marsha, Shari & Bill-

During the time I lived in in Oelwein, I remember what an exceptional women she was and Oelwein was the better for all of her efforts. It was a life well lived. Best wishes to you as you say your good byes to you mother.

Rhonda Bemis on July 21, 2015 at 9:52 PM said:

Bill - thinking of you and your family.

Ardie Kuhse on July 21, 2015 at 12:03 PM said:

I am a friend of Bill (Billy and Hattie) but my thoughts, prayers and sympathies go out to all of the Ziegler family during this time.

Dave, Karen, Todd, Becky and Ron on July 21, 2015 at 8:18 AM said:

So sorry to hear of Aunt Shirley's passing. We'll all miss her and know our thoughts and prayers are with you all

Ken Dison on July 21, 2015 at 7:51 AM said:

Bill, Marsha and Shari
We offer our condolences to you and your families.
It was a special day when all of the Dison brothers and sisters were reunited with your Mom. I know my Father said it was one of the happiest days of his life. We loved Aunt Shirley and will always remember her kindness.
Ken, Connie, Kathy and Rena

Gordon and Kim Odekirk Miller on July 21, 2015 at 5:46 AM said:

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Forty years ago we bought a building from your parents on contract.Gordon was in a bad car accident and your dad came to the hospital in Waterloo and told us not to worry about payments until Gordon was back to work. We have always appreciated what your parents did for us. They were both very kind people and raised great kids!You have our sympathy.Gordon and Kim Miller

Charlie Dykeman on July 20, 2015 at 6:37 PM said:

I just want to let the family of my Aunt Shirley, That they are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I was able to come to the funeral but can't due to health reasons.

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Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home

309 1st Avenue NE | Oelwein, IA 50662 | Phone: 319.283.4653

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