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Shirley Ann Engebretson, a beautiful soul, passed away peacefully on Jan. 18, 2026, at the age of 89 in Iowa City, surrounded by the love of her family and friends, near and far.
Funeral services will take place Monday, Jan. 26, at 1 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in Storm Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Born on Jan. 11, 1937, Shirley was the first child of Margaret Mae (Beadell) and Lester Delbert Bjorklund. She entered the world in the farmhouse of her dad's aunt and uncle near Albert City — a place that set the tone for her life rooted in family and simple joys.
Growing up in Albert City, Shirley started as a kindergartner in a one-room country school, then moved to the town school through eighth grade. When her family relocated to a farm near Rembrandt, she dove right into high school life. She was the bass drummer in the band, shone in speech and drama, excelled on the softball and basketball teams, and stepped up as a class leader. It was there she met the love of her life, Alan Engebretson, and thus began a shared journey of 53 wonderful years.
On Oct. 1, 1955, they were married at Rembrandt United Methodist Church. Their honeymoon in the Black Hills kicked off a life of several moves and many milestones. They headed south to a naval base in Jacksonville, Fla., where daughter Alene was born. Then to Sanford, Fla., for Alesa's arrival. Finally, they made their way back to Iowa, settling in Storm Lake. After a short stint in a quonset hut near the college, they settled into their forever home at 1225 Seneca St. — a place filled with love, chaos and countless memories. Soon, Alan Jr. and Alec joined the crew, completing their lively family.
In Storm Lake, Shirley poured her heart into her work at a local grocery store, Witt Sales, and eventually the Buena Vista County Clerk of Court office, where she retired after years of dedicated service. But her true passions were the things that brought her together with family and close friends: bowling leagues, golf outings, cards and Yahtzee games around kitchen tables, hosting unforgettable Sunday roast dinners and holiday gatherings, and stitching keepsake quilts for her grandchildren.
She was always present — cheering at games, helping with activities or just being a steady presence one could count on. In her retirement, she gave back to her community as a volunteer at Storm Lake United Methodist Church, where her kindness touched so many. Later in life, she brightened the halls as a resident of assisted living facilities in Iowa Falls and Iowa City.
Shirley leaves behind a legacy of love in her children: Alene Rickels and her husband Ronn; Alesa Case and her husband Todd; Alan Jr. and his wife Connie (Davis); and Alec and his wife J.S. (Brown). She adored her 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, each one a piece of her joyful heart.
She now reunites with her devoted husband Alan; her parents and her brother, Lester Jr., who all passed before her.
She will be missed every day, but her spirit lives on in shared memories and the love she taught those who crossed her path to give freely.
