Shirlee Schladetzky

SHIRLEE ANN SCHLADETZKY

Cedar Rapids

Shirlee Ann Schladetzky, 84, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in Acton, Calif., near Los Angeles.

She was in Los Angeles walking her daughter's dog, Ollie. That was Shirlee always helping family and friends somewhere in this country.

Born and raised on a farm near North English, Iowa, in 1932, she met Robert J. Schladetzky (BJ) on a blind date in 1952, and they were married for over 62 years. BJ, 88, continues to reside in Cedar Rapids.

Shirlee was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Mildred Cox; and her brothers, William (Bill) Cox and Ted (LeighAnn) Cox.

A sister, Betty (Cox) Humphrey, resides in North English.

A registered nurse for over 62 years 35 years at St. Luke's Hospital Shirlee took care of thousands of patients, yet she always had one more minute, one more ride somewhere for her three children, Dawn (Brad) Akers of Cedar Rapids, Robert (Julie) Schladetzky Jr. of Sioux Falls, S.D., and David (Kjersten) Schladetzky of Minneapolis. After retirement, this continued for her seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

For several years through November 2016, Shirlee taught nursing at Kirkwood Community College. She also had endless hours to care for friends too she was the one who took care of everybody and was the consummate pet sitter as dogs, Cooper and Ollie, will attest.

It was a great year for Shirl. She and BJ sold the house (after 52 years), they found a nice apartment in Cedar Rapids, saw most of the extended family frequently and had a full summer on the houseboat. She found solace sitting on that boat with the Mississippi River rolling by, a trusty Diet Pepsi and cigarette in one hand, her current book and iPad nearby.

Several islands dot the Mississippi River channel between McGregor and Clayton, Iowa. It was here, on an island, that Shirlee and her family lived for weeks, years in tents, and then on the houseboat. She named the camp Sunshine Beach and was a master packer of gear and supplies.

That river was everything to her. After all those years caring for people, the river cared for her.

Shirlee loved to eat anything pickled and loved fried gizzards. While raising David she always demanded "David? Where's my kitchen scissors!?"

So caring and compassionate, tolerant of soooo much. She was a tireless angel of mercy who will be missed.

When ending a phone conversation, Shirlee always said, "Keep in touch." So keep her adventurous spirit in your heart and you will be "in touch."

"The party's over, so leave me a message," was Shirlee's voicemail greeting. A final party, a celebration of her life, will occur in the summer of 2017 in and near McGregor.

Smoking is allowed!