Shirley Ann Nefzger

Shirley Ann Nefzger, 89, of Earlville, Iowa, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at home surrounded by her family. Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Clifton-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Earlville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 Friday, May 15, 2026, with an additional visitation one hour prior to Mass, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earlville with the Reverend David Schatz officiating. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Earlville.

Shirley Ann Paul was born June 15, 1936, in rural Maynard, Iowa the daughter of Everette and Kathren (Gantenbein) Paul. She graduated from Maynard Consolidated School in 1953, and Upper Iowa University with an elementary education degree in 1955. She taught 1st grade at Earlville Consolidated School from 1955 – 1957.

She married Ralph Anthony Nefzger on June 15, 1957, at St. John Catholic Church in Delhi. She and her husband Ralph farmed in Earlville area until 1997, when they retired and moved to Earlville. She taught CCD and volunteered at St. Joseph’s in Earlville for many years. She enjoyed spending time with her family, coffee and card friends, traveling, quilting, and genealogy.

Shirley is survived by six children, John (Linda) Nefzger of Earlville, Joe (Karen) Nefzger of Dyersville, Tom (Joyce) Nefzger of Earlville, Tim (Karen) Nefzger of Dyersville, Deb (Al) Hermsen of Manchester, Beth (Jack) Nordgren of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; nineteen grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren with one on the way and her sister-in-law, Nadine Ruley of Oxford Junction, Iowa.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Everette and Kathern Paul; her husband Ralph Nefzger; and her siblings, Betty (Lavern) Kohlmeyer, Maxine (Alvin) Shippy, Margaret (Harlan) Sprague; brother, Donald (Donna) Paul; and her in-laws, Albert (Irene) Pasker, Donald (Rosemary) Nefzger, Helen Nefzger, Lois Nefzger, John Ruley, and Art (Pat) Nefzger.

The family would like to thank Above & Beyond Home Health and Hospice, along with the doctors and caregivers who were instrumental in Shirley’s care.

Memorials in Shirley’s memory may be directed to the family.