Shirley Mae Dannehl

Funeral Services for Shirley M. Dannehl will be held on Friday, July 15, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Rev. Dr. Cathi Braasch, STS officiating. Burial will be held at Prairie Home Cemetery at Holdrege following services.

Shirley Mae Dannehl, 91 years of age, of Holdrege, went to be with the Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 10, 2016 at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege. She was born in Holyoke, Colorado on May 9, 1925, the eldest of two children born to Elmer and Lilly (Freburg) Sall. As a young child, Shirley's family moved to Holdrege, where she attended Holdrege Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1943. Following graduation, she worked at the Brewster Hospital and Clinic as a laboratory technician from 1945-1948.

On April 17, 1948, Shirley married Marvin Dannehl and to this union, three children were born: Dennis, April and Julie. The family made their home in Holdrege, where Shirley focused her efforts raising their children. Shirley and Marvin were married 53 years, until her husband's passing in May 2001.

As a lifelong Lutheran, Shirley regarded God and family as paramount in her life. She was baptized in Holyoke on August 22, 1925 and was confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege on August 24, 1941. She served in many capacities in her church, from teaching Sunday School, directing the Christmas programs, President of LCW, and established the program of Luther Lads and Lassies to name a few.

Shirley's love and care extended to her community as well, serving as a lifelong community volunteer. She helped spearhead the Beautification Board for Holdrege, served as Past President for Phelps Memorial Health Center Service League and Board member of Community Concert Association. She enjoyed her time with Prairie Players and especially when she could use her Swedish accent.

To say that Shirley was a loyal Republican is truly an understatement. Not too many were better read or informed on the top political issues. She co-founded the Phelps County Republican Women's group. In 1968, she was elected 3rd Vice President of the Nebraska Federation of Republican Women.

Shirley and Marvin thoroughly enjoyed working with their Amway business. They were blessed with many lasting friendships along their 30 plus years in the business. They also spent many years traveling together with friends. One of her favorite past times was to read books on Angels and poetry. She became quite knowledgeable on Angels and gave several programs on her findings. Besides loving to entertain friends in her home, she took enjoyment in her yard and decorating for the holidays. She was one proud Swede and was very proud of her heritage.

She will be remembered for her love, warmth and positive outlook on life. She unconditionally loved family, friends and strangers, especially children.

Besides her parents and husband, Marvin, Shirley was preceded in death by a brother, Clifford Sall and his wives, Midge and Jean; brothers-in-law, Veryl Dannehl and his wife, Florence, and Henry Erick.

She is survived by her three children: Dennis Dannehl of Sun Lakes, Arizona, April Green of Lincoln, and Julie Doolittle of Omaha; grandchildren: Derrick Doolittle and his wife, Kelly of Rochester, Minnesota, Drake Doolittle of Omaha, Mitchell Green of Lincoln, Britain Doolittle of Omaha, and Kristen Green of Omaha; brother-in-law, Darrold Dannehl and his wife, Delores of Hastings; sister-in-law, Nila Erick of Bertrand; one nephew, Bryan Sall of Kearney; several cousins, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in Shirley's honor and kindly suggested to Phelps County Community Foundation, Phelps County Humane Society, or the Bethel Lutheran Church.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.