LAUREL — Shirley Papenhausen, 87, Coleridge, died May 11, 2023, at Providence Medical Center, Wayne.

Funeral services will be May 18, at 10:30 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Coleridge, with the Rev. Marilyn Hasemann officiating.

Burial will be at Lawn Ridge Cemetery, rural Coleridge.

Pallbearers will be Shirley’s grandchildren, Heidi Kooiker, Travis Hitz, Lucas Hitz, Stacey Jans, Megan Stearns, Erica Knips, Matthew Knips, Kendra Meuret, Rachel Hanson, Lindsay Schmuecker, Marcus Papenhausen, Alanna Harryman, Kayla Harris and Alexander Harris.

Visitation will be May 17, from 5-7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the church. Visitation will continue Thursday, one hour prior to services.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Coleridge.

Shirley Anne was born May 12, 1935, to Walter Carl and Gladys Pearl (Nunemaker) Frerichs. She lived in the Coleridge area all her life. She graduated from Coleridge High School in 1952. During high school, Shirley worked at the soda fountain for Nierman Drug Store, Coleridge, where her favorite customer was Earl. She married Earl Leon Papenhausen Sept. 7, 1953, in Coleridge. Together they raised four children, Cathy, Brenda, Randy, and Lisa.

Shirley worked for the Cedar County Vet Clinic from 1972-2001. Shirley was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Women of the ELCA, and the Coleridge American Legion Auxiliary Post #114.

Spending time with family, especially the grandchildren, was the highlight of her life. She loved quilting, sewing, cross-stitching, organizing photo albums, cooking and baking.

She was a former Jr. Homemakers 4-H leader and member of the Nightingale Club. Earl and Shirley spent many years dancing with the Town & Country Square Dancers.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Earl, Coleridge; four children, Cathy (Myron) Hitz, Plainview; Brenda (David) Knips, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Randy (Lisa) Papenhausen, Coleridge; and Lisa (Todd) Meyer, Bennington; 14 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; one brother, Roger Frerichs, Bassfield, Miss.; and sisters-in-law, Janice Wilkerson and Vivian Papenhausen, both of Coleridge.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Gladys Frerichs; sister, Barbara Peck; brother, Gary Frerichs; sisters-in-law, Mardel Papenhausen and Diane Frerichs; and brothers-in-law, Dean Wilkerson and Curtis Papenhausen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Park View Haven Nursing Home, Coleridge, Christians Caring (food pantry) or Orphan Grain Train.

Memorials can be mailed to: Lisa Meyer, 14809 Prairie Star Street, Bennington NE 68007.