Obituary for Shirley Meyer

She was born October 31, 1935, and grew up on a farm between Eitzen, MN and New Albin, IA where she attended country school. She was baptized, confirmed and a lifelong member of St. Luke's Church in Eitzen. In 1953, Shirley graduated from Waukon High School in Waukon, IA.

She married Willard Meyer on Valentine’s Day in 1954, at St. Luke's Church while Willard was home on a brief 2 week leave from the service. They spent his remaining time in the service together in upstate New York and New Jersey. They then moved back to Eitzen in December of 1955, and lived there until 1959, when they then made their final move together to Willard’s family farm near Dorchester, IA. Shirley moved to Waukon the summer of 2021, after Willard’s death.

She enjoyed her life in the country as a busy farm wife. She always said her favorite job she ever had was milking her cows. She also enjoyed playing cards, reading, baking, cooking, and always made sure the men were fed when they’d have extra help on the farm. She always had cookies in the cookie jar or ice cream for the grandkids. Summer was her favorite time of the year when she enjoyed her flowers and gardening, and she always did lots of canning when it came to harvest time. Shirley loved family get-togethers and every visit she had from family and friends whether it was in person or on the phone.

Shirley is survived by her children, Stan (Bev) Meyer of Eitzen, Bryan (Lois) Meyer and Peggy Meyer (Richard Meiners) both of Dorchester, and Lori (Bobby) Johnson of Waukon; a sister, Carol Ashland; 13 grandchildren, Amanda (Brad) Beilke, Kellie (Kevin) Moore, Mitch (Amy) Meyer, Crystal (Ross) Anderson, Cody (Nikki) Meyer, Chad (Megan) Meyer, Casey Alexander, Jenny (Ryan) Solum, Rob (Jenn) Burrichter, Mike (Rachel) Burrichter, Kevin (Katie) Burrichter, Cameron Johnson, and Colton Johnson; and 30 great-grandchildren with another one on the way.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Willard, who passed away on April 9, 2021; her parents, Harry and Evelyn (Peterson) Meyer; brother, Greg Meyer; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Louis and Edna Meyer; sister-in-law, Evelyn Schuttemeier; and brother-in-law, Fremont Schuttemeier. The family would like to thank the staff at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon for their wonderful care they gave over the last week. Everyone showed incredible compassion and kindness.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, June 6, 2025, at St. Luke’s Church in Eitzen. Rev. Michael D. McCann will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m., until the time of service, Friday, at the church.

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