Shirley Papenhausen

Shirley Papenhausen, age 87 of Coleridge, Nebraska, died on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Providence Medical Center in Wayne, Nebraska.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Coleridge, Nebraska with the Rev. Marilyn Hasemann officiating.  Burial will be at Lawn Ridge Cemetery of rural Coleridge.  Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 17th from 5-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the church.  Visitation will continue on Thursday one hour prior to services.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in 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.

Shirley Anne was born on 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 in Coleridge where her favorite customer was Earl.  She married Earl Leon Papenhausen on September 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 Nightengale Club.  Earl and Shirley spent many years dancing with the Town & Country Square Dancers.

Shirley is survived by her husband Earl of Coleridge; four children Cathy (Myron) Hitz of Plainview, Brenda (David) Knips of Sioux Falls, SD, Randy (Lisa) Papenhausen of Coleridge, Lisa (Todd) Meyer of Bennington; 14 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; one brother Roger Frerichs of Bassfield, MS; 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, 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