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Streif, Shirley D. 'Dawn'
Shirley D. “Dawn” Streif, 82, of Dyersville, died Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at 9:44 a.m. at Oak Crest Manor in Dyersville. Friends and relatives of Shirley may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today at Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, where a wake service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Services for Shirley will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 8, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Farley, with the Rev. Dennis Cain officiating. Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Farley.
Shirley was born Nov. 17, 1928, in Epworth, Iowa, daughter of Robert B. and Nellie (Trilk) Wilkinson. She was a graduate of Peosta High School. On July 26, 1948, she was united in marriage to Merril J. Streif at St. John's Catholic Church in Placid, Iowa. He preceded her in death on Feb. 9, 1975. The couple farmed for many years in the Graf area.
Shirley was known for her green thumb when it came to gardening and her heart of gold. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and especially cherished visits from family and friends.
“Mom was a very strong, hardworking woman, whose sense of humor accompanied her throughout life. An inspiration to many. We will forever cherish your love, laughter and spirit. Thanks for the memories.”
She is survived by five sons, Steven Streif (fiancee, Shirley Jarrett) of Ferryville, Wis., Leo (Charlynn) Streif of Des Moines, Wayne (Karen) Streif of Bernard, David (Marcia) Streif of Maynard and Joseph (Cindy) Streif of Tulsa, Okla.; four daughters, Anne (Joe) Schrobilgen of Bellevue, Monica Streif (Margaret Nowachek) of Northglenn, Colo., Lois (Tom) Burlage of Worthington and Mary (Pat) Hickey of Guttenberg; 12 grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Richard Burds of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Virginia Schueller on Aug. 10, 1997; one grandson, Chad Streif on Nov. 27, 1978; and three sisters, Eleanor Melchert, Jean Connolly and Ruth Connolly.
Online condolences may be left for the family at
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