Shirley Jean Mack

Shirley Jean Mack, age 90, of Frederika, IA, died Saturday, August 8, 2026, at New Hampton Nursing & Rehab Center.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 13, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church, Frederika, with Rev. Evan Meester officiating. Interment will be held at St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Fredericksburg.

Friends are invited to greet the family from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 13, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church, Frederika.

Shirley Jean Mack, 90, of rural Iowa, passed away on August 8, 2026. She was born on November 11, 1935, the daughter of Emil and Viola (Gebert) Bergmann, and lived a life marked by faith, devotion to family, hard work, and a warm spirit that touched many who knew her.

Shirley was baptized on November 24, 1935, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Siegel, and she was confirmed there on April 10, 1949. She graduated from Frederika High School in May of 1954. Her early years were shaped by the values of her faith and community, and those values remained a steady part of her life. She was known as a woman whose life reflected kindness, perseverance, and gratitude.

Shirley was united in marriage to Merle Mack on June 2, 1957. They were high school sweethearts, and their love story continued after Merle returned from service in the Army. Their marriage was built on companionship, mutual respect, and shared memories that lasted through the years. They did a lot of fun activities together and found camping to be something they loved. Merle preceded her in death on September 4, 1999, but the bond they shared remained an important part of Shirley’s life and the many stories she treasured.

Shirley worked at Frederika Locker from 1959 to 1969 and later at Farmers State Bank in Frederika from 1974 to 1987. She was dependable, hardworking, and proud of the work she did. Her employers and coworkers knew her as a steady and capable presence who carried herself with quiet strength. She valued responsibility and took pride in doing her part well.

Outside of work, Shirley was creative and adventurous. She enjoyed making crafts to sell locally and at a craft store in Prairie du Chien. Her hands were always busy creating something beautiful, and her creativity brought joy both to herself and to others. She also owned a camper at Big River Campground in Prairie du Chien for many years, a place that held many special memories and reflected her love of simple pleasures and time spent away from the everyday routine.

Shirley was fortunate to find a special companion in Irvin Brown. The two met and quickly formed a meaningful connection, beginning a loving relationship that would last for 17 wonderful years. Together, Shirley and Irvin shared a home, a life, and countless treasured memories. Their time together was filled with companionship, laughter, and the simple joys of sharing life side by side, until Irvin’s passing in 2020. 

Shirley especially loved dogs, particularly poodles, and cats. Her affection for animals was one more reflection of her caring nature. She had a gentle heart and found companionship and comfort in the pets she loved. Those who knew Shirley will remember her as adventurous, creative, and full of quiet determination, with a personality that could be both strong and tender.

Shirley is survived by her niece, Pam (Howard Thompson) Sterba of Waverly, Iowa; five nephews, Jim Sterba of Sumner, Iowa; Jerry (Verla) Sterba of Newton, Iowa; Richard Sterba of Des Moines, Iowa; David (Kristina) Bravener of Hazleton, Iowa; Michael (Heather) Wettengel of Gilbertville, Iowa; sister-in-law, Elaine Bravener of Hiawatha, Iowa; and special friends, Cliff (Donna) Edson of Ionia, Iowa. She also leaves behind many cousins, and others who will cherish her memory and the example she set.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Merle Mack; special friend, Irvin Brown; two sisters-in-law, Wanda (Joe) Sterba, Eleanor (Don) Wettengel; niece, Susan (Bravener) Houg; and niece-in-law, Diane Sterba. Though she will be deeply missed, her life will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who were blessed to know her.