Shirley Jean Schroeder

Shirley Jean Schroeder (nee Vyverberg), 91, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on May 2, 2026, at MercyOne Dubuque.

Family and friends may visit on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 2001 St. Joseph St. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Brian Dellaert officiating. Entombment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa, is assisting the family.

Shirley was born on March 28, 1935, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Milton Benjamin and Marie (nee Billmeyer) Vyverberg. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and worked at Interstate Power Company where she met the love of her life Benedict Schroeder. Shirley married Ben on November 5, 1955, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa.

Shirley will be remembered for her devotion to her husband, children, and grandchildren. She was a devout Catholic and volunteered at Stonehill Communities. She also lent her beautiful singing voice to the church choir.

Shirley enjoyed musicals, gardening, traveling, reading, golfing and spending time with her dog Jasmine. She was always up for a round of cards or a game of Dominos.

Despite her numerous hardships, she always remained positive with a great sense of humor.

She is survived by her four children, Michael (Margie) Schroeder of Caputa, South Dakota, Thomas (Elvie) Schroeder of Grand Island, Nebraska, Robert (Debra) Schroeder of Crest Hill, Illinois, and Linda (Karl) Rink of Princeton, Idaho; seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Chad, Adam, Kelly, Megan, Lisa and Jessica; eight great-grandchildren; Zaiden, Charlemagne, Aziza, Luke, Jensen, Olivia, Myles and Audrey.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Benedict; her parents, Milton and Marie; her brother, Richard; her sister Joan (nee Vyverberg) Snodgrass and her grandson, Ben.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be directed to St. Joseph The Worker Parish or Stonehill Health Center in memory of Shirley.

The family wishes to thank all the health care professionals especially the nurses and staff at Stonehill for their compassionate care they gave to Shirley.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.