Shirley A. Meinzer, 88, of Falls City, NE, passed away November 15, 2023 at Falls City. She was born August 1, 1935 on a farm southwest of Barada to Frank R. and Zita “Tiny” (Oslin) Buchholz.
She married Byron “Barney” Meinzer on November 3, 1956 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at 20th and Towle Street.
Shirley attended Barada grade school through the 8th grade and graduated Falls City High School in 1953. She then went to Peru State Teachers College, graduating in 1953. She taught in rural schools in Richardson County from 1953 until 1962. She worked as a teacher’s aide at Falls City Public Schools from 1973 until 1980 and then worked as the Society Editor of the Falls City Journal from 1980 until 1987. She returned to work as a special education teacher’s aide in 1987 until her retirement from the school system in 1998. She then taught GED Classes after that.
Shirley was baptized in April of 1954 at Barada Evangelical United Brethren Church and became a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in 1957. She served as the Sunday School Superintendent, teaching 7th grade Sunday school and adult Sunday School and was vacation bible school chairman for many years. She was a member of Deborah Circle of Women of ELCA, serving as president for four years, vice president for four years and secretary for seven years. She was a member of the Altar Guild. She and her husband received a life membership in the Nebraska PTA in 1989. She served as board member and president of Falls City Alumni Association and was board member of Falls City Booster Club.
Shirley is survived by her sons, Marty and his wife Dawn of York, Dave and his wife Amy of Omaha, Bill of Chicago, IL, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a brother, Kenneth Buchholz.
Her funeral will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (20th and Towle) with Reverend Jerry Yount officiating. Interment will be in Steele Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Friday from 7-8:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.
