Shirley Ann Rowland, of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, who spent the most recent thirty years in West Union and Clermont, passed away September 19, 2023 at the age of 76, at Divine Rehabilitation and Nursing at Fennimore, Wisconsin. Shirley was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, and friend.
Shirley was born on April 22, 1947 in Waterloo and was the oldest child of Rhoda (Sears) and Keith Wilkinson. She attended elementary school in Geneseo at the same school where her parents met. When the family moved to Sumner, Shirley went to country school, and then in 6th grade she attended “town school” in Sumner. When Shirley was in 9th grade, they moved outside of Oelwein where she graduated in 1965. Throughout the years, Shirley was a bookkeeper and secretary for several different companies and courthouses. She retired from the Fayette County Courthouse in the Community Services office in 2009.
Shirley met Ben Rowland in December 1964 in Independence, Iowa at R&R Café while she was waiting with a friend for a train. Shirley married Ben on April 1, 1967. They had two daughters, Trissi in 1969 and Jenny in 1970.
Shirley followed the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Cubs, sang in her church choir, directed the children’s church choir, and stayed active by exercising, gardening, sewing, and enjoying family time. She took great pride in sharing her birthday with Earth Day, considering recycling and picking up litter her “life’s work.” She loved nature and the changing of the seasons, appreciating the beauty of God’s creation.
Survivors include her husband Ben Rowland of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; daughters Trissi (Charlie) Davis of Franklin, Texas, and Jennifer (Jay) Shekleton of Clermont, Iowa; grandsons Chaz (Heather) Davis and Chandler (Hannah) Davis; brother Ron (Cindy) Wilkinson; sister Marlys (Mike) McDonald; and many beloved family and friends.
Shirley is reunited with her mother, Rhoda Wilkinson; her father, Keith Wilkinson; her brother Dennis Wilkinson; and her sister Baby Kathy.
A special thanks to Unity Adult Day Services, Divine Rehabilitation and Nursing, and St Croix Hospice. Words cannot express our appreciation for their kindness and support.
Fellowship will be at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home in Clermont, Iowa on Friday, September 29, 2023 from 4-7pm.
A service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be at West Clermont Lutheran Church in Clermont, Iowa on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 10:30am.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to their favorite charity or contribute to the Shirley Rowland Memorial Fund at Kerndt Brothers Bank.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Clermont, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.