Shirley Ann Dulitz

Shirley Ann Dulitz

Mesa, Ariz.

Shirley Ann (Schroeder) Dulitz, 72, of Mesa, Ariz., passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born on Nov. 2, 1950, in Winona, Minn., to her parents, Earl and Betty Schroeder. She graduated high school in 1968 from Pacelli Catholic School in Austin, Minn., and then went on to complete business and nursing degrees at Austin Community College.

She married the love of her life, Rick Dulitz, on Jan. 16, 1971, and they had two sons, Scott (Lisa) and Jake (Katrina), whom they raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from 1979 through the mid-1990s. Shirley's sons along with her grandchildren, Carson (19), Danika (17), Noah (12), and Amelia (10), brought her an immense amount of pride and joy.

Shirley spent most of her life working as a registered nurse at Family Physicians of Cedar Rapids, where she made a huge impression on the patients and physicians she served. She retired in 2009 to spend time with Rick between their homes in Arizona, Iowa and a brief stint in Kansas. They moved to Mesa, Ariz., to live full time in 2016.

Shirley was known for her energetic personality, love of life, her wicked dance moves and deep love of family. Shirley could often be found shopping for bargains, enjoying happy hours and dancing to country music with Rick in their garage, or playing her favorite sport pickleball with her many friends.

She loved trying new breweries and wineries with Rick and their friends where they would share appetizers, favorite dishes and lively conversation. Shirley was politically active and had a deep love for her country. Her Christian faith was a large part of who she was and brought her comfort in times of need.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Rick of Mesa, Ariz.; her son, Scott (Lisa) of Shawnee, Kan.; her son, Jake (Katrina) of Bonney Lake, Wash.; her four grandchildren; and three sisters, Linda (Michael) Howell of Grove City, Ohio, Mary (Ted) Stuhr and Patty Briones of Austin, Minn.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Sharon (Dale) Griffith of New Woodstock, N.Y.

A private memorial service for Shirley will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Monday, June 26, at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care, 400 South Power Rd., Mesa, AZ 85206; followed by a reception from 12:15 to 2:15 p.m.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Dulitz family at www.mariposagardens.com.