Shirley A. Langenberg

A celebration of life service for Shirley A. Langenberg will be held on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Hope Lutheran Church near Smithfield, Nebraska with Mr. Joe Wilken officiating.  The Service can be viewed on the Hope Lutheran Church Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/HopeLutheranChurchSmithfield/

Following the service burial will take place at the Highland Cemetery in Bertrand, Nebraska.

Shirley Ann Langenberg, 87 years of age, of Bertrand, passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at the Bertrand Nursing Home in Bertrand. Shirley was born on July 9, 1935, in the old hospital called the Widney Hospital South of the tracks in Lexington, Nebraska, the first of two children born to Ernest and Anna (Lewis) Meyer. Shirley's grandparents were August and Anna (Scheelter) Meyer and Frank and Josephine (Nutzman) Lewis. She received her education from the Ash Grove Country School until the eighth grade and later attended Bertrand Community School graduating with the class of 1954. Shirley was baptized on August 4, 1935, by Pastor Fenske and confirmed on July 3, 1950, with Pastor Holm, both at Hope Lutheran Church near Smithfield.

She was united in marriage to LaVern Walter Edward Langenberg on June 27, 1954, at Hope Lutheran Church near Smithfield, and to this union, three sons were born: Brian LaVern, David Wayne, and Timothy James. They made their home in Bertrand. Shirley took piano lessons for 16 years and taught piano lessons for 5 years. Later in her life, Shirley had the privilege of teaching her granddaughter Becky Langenberg Jones piano.

Shirley attended beauty school and opened her own business in her home in January 1966 and retired after 47 years of service to her many customers. Shirley and LaVern were able to do some traveling throughout their marriage to Hawaii and Canada just to name a few. They belonged to a camping group called "The Fun Finders" which they thoroughly enjoyed attending from 1976-1999. Shirley and LaVern enjoyed taking their grandchildren camping. From 2000 to 2015 Shirley was still able to drive her motor home to her camping group with the help of her two grandsons Dustin and Derek Langenberg. They were a great help in leveling up the camper and putting the correct blocks of wood under the wheels. Shirley was a wonderful cook and accomplished baker. She baked and decorated many birthday cakes for her children and grandchildren. Shirley was a very talented baker even baking and decorating wedding cakes. Her pies, chocolate-covered peanuts, and peanut brittle were some of the very best. Everyone was welcome at her table. Her fried chicken and mashed potatoes and gravy were the best! Shirley also enjoyed gardening and canning. Most of all, Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandma. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren came first in her life and were her pride and joy. Shirley was at almost every activity of her kids and grandkids.

Shirley began enjoying her retirement by quilting at the Young At Heart Senior Center. Most days you could find Shirley quilting or putting puzzles together and helping at the Senior Center. Shirley was also an active volunteer at the Bertrand Nursing Home playing cards, calling out bingo, and much more.

She was a faithful and dedicated member of Hope Lutheran Church where she was active in the choir and served on various committees.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; LaVern's parents, Chester and Amanda Langenberg; her husband, LaVern in 1999; son, David in 2019; brother, Larry Meyer; brother-in-law, Wayne Langenberg; sister-in-law, LaVonna Marquardt and her husband, George.

Shirley leaves to mourn her life, two sons: Brian Langenberg and his wife, Beth of Bertrand; Tim Langenberg and his wife, Deb of Bertrand; eight grandchildren: Sarah Kort; Brad Langenberg and his wife, Megan; Becky Jones and her husband, Arik; Christopher Langenberg; Derek Langenberg and his wife, Skylar; Breanna Partridge and her husband, Tavin; Dustin Langenberg and his wife, Cheyenne; Taylor Langenberg; 12 great-grandchildren: Holy Wilcox and Cash Evans; Jordan and Jacob Langenberg; Michael and Emery Jones; Breelyn and Anslee Langenberg; Creed and Ashur Langenberg; Isabella and Ila May Partridge; two sisters-in-law: Arlene Dillion; Virginia Meyer; and a host of nieces, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Hope Lutheran Church near Smithfield.

A memorial has been established in Shirley's honor and kindly suggested to the Hope Lutheran Church near Smithfield or The Young at Heart Senior Center in Bertrand.

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.