Shirley Graeser

shirley graeser
Shirley J. Graeser age 88 of Waverly, died Thursday morning, August 9, 2012, at the Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly. Shirley Jean Graeser was born January 15, 1924, in Centerville, IA, the daughter of Harry and Gladys (King) Henderson. She graduated from Nashua High School in 1941. After graduation Shirley attended Nursing School at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford, IL. Shirley married Leonard Graeser on October 12, 1946, at the United Methodist Church in Nashua. To this union one daughter was born. Shortly after being married the couple moved to Brookfield, IL. During this time Shirley was at home taking care of the home and raising Diane. After Leonard retired the family moved back to Iowa making Waverly their new home. Shirley loved taking care of her family, tending to her house, cooking, and baking. Shirley enjoyed attending High School ballgames with Leonard. She also was a dog lover and had a passion for watching old movies. Friends may greet the family 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, August 12, 2012, at the Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home in Nashua. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 13, 2012, at Sunnyside Memorial Gardens rural Charles City, IA. Survivors include her husband, Leonard Graeser of Waverly; one daughter, Diane (Bill) Freestate of Waverly. She was preceded in death by her parents. If so desired, memorials may be given in Shirley’s memory to Cedar Valley Hospice Waverly or the Cedar Bend Humane Society.

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  1. Diane, Rich and I were so sad to hear of your mom’s death. I know how hard it is to be and only child and have no siblings to share this with. Thank God for Bill. I have never seen someone and good to their parents as you have been. You were so blessed to have them with you for such a long and happy life, and they were so blessed to have you as their daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, The Sodas

  2. Bill, Diane and Leonard May Shirley’s memory be eternal. With deepest sympathy, Pete, Karen, Nicole and Jenny

  3. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you on the loss of Shirley. God bless her soul–The McCulloughs (David, Janet, Eamonn and Logan)

  4. Diane, such a sweet picture of a gracious and dear woman. It was just as I remembered her the first time I met your folks shortly after college. Always a kind smile, good conversation, and a never failing welcoming spirit to all of your friends. Just a few years ago, a nice memory as we stood at the White House/ you on the phone with your folks and their excitement for all of us! Our thoughts to all of you on this journey of the loss of your Mother.

  5. We were so sorry to hear about your mom Diane! Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you, Bill and your dad during this difficult time.

  6. So sorry to hear about Sheryl passing. She had more spunk than any woman her age that I have ever known. Keeping your family in our prayers.

  7. I was so sorry to hear about Shirley’s passing. I visited Bartel’s Home on Thursday mornings with my dog, Maggie. Shirley was always so happy to see us. I am glad that we could give her a little pleasure during her last days.

  8. We will miss you dear Shirley. You have been part of our lives for over 50 years. Much of our youth was guided and shaped by your kindness and caring. Always bright smiles, infectious laughs, funny stories, a warm heart, and the all important movie discussions. Add to that the bonuses of a welcoming basement where we could all ‘hang’, with cold sodas, great tunes, good friends and many snacks. As we grew older, you made sure to keep in touch with our lives and happenings. Dee and Bill made sure we all stayed connected and we were fortunate to have a number of trips to Waverly. Our lives would not be the same had we not had you and Len to help us along and keep us grounded. We were well and truly blessed. You are gone, but you will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace dear Shirley. Love, Steve and Kathy (‘Murph’)

  9. Few individuals are fortunate enough to have the support and love of three sets of ‘grandparents’. I was lucky enough to have that experience with Len and Shirl. Thank you for always listening to what was going on in my life and having a cold Pepsi for a pesky neighbor kid! Shirl was a great person and will be dearly missed. Matt, Sarah, Jackson, Jensen & Miller Deutsch


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