Shirlee Mae Cass 1926 - 2016
CASS, OLSON, SOLIEN
Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/20/2016 at 12:29:58
Shirlee Mae Cass, 89, of Onawa, Iowa died peacefully Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Burgess Health Center in Onawa, Iowa after a cheerful life filled with family and friends.
Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Friday, May 27, 2016 at Faith Lutheran Church in Onawa, Iowa with Pastor Elton Jorde, officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Township Cemetery, Albaton, Iowa. Visitation will be 5:00 - 8:00 P.M. with the family present 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. and a prayer service at 7:30 P.M. Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the Rush Family Chapel, Onawa, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Family Care Service, Onawa, Iowa.
Shirlee was born to her parents, Herb and Carrie (Olson) Solien, on October 8, 1926, in the Albaton area. Proud of her Norwegian heritage, she had fond memories of her childhood shared with her numerous cousins there, her high school years in the Turin area, and her graduation from Castana High.
On April 18, 1947, she married Robert (Bob) Cass and had a marriage that lasted sixty-four years until Bob's death. They had a son, Randy, and a daughter, Cindy.
Shirlee worked for many years with Bob and Randy in the family's car dealership, Cass Motors, first in Sloan and later in Onawa. Her primary role was bookkeeper – she wouldn't sleep until the books balanced to the penny.
You could always count on Shirlee to be lively and optimistic. When Bob got the notion for a spur of the moment fishing trip, Shirlee, with only a few hours notice, would organize and pack food and gear for the family. She was an accomplished seamstress and made beautiful clothes for all of her family, as well as detailed costumes for Cindy's dance recitals.
Bob and Shirlee had a large circle of friends and spent many happy hours socializing while playing cards, boating, camping, and fishing. People often remark on the fun that Bob and Shirlee had in life. Shirlee often hosted her large extended family for holiday gatherings with forty or more in attendance, and her skill at preparing fish, morels, and pheasant are legendary.
For the first part of her life, Shirlee was an active member of Skien Lutheran Church in Albaton, and for the past 45 years, of Faith Lutheran Church in Onawa. Even as she approached her 90th birthday, she was committed to volunteering her time and supporting the church.
Survivors include her children, Randy and his wife Dawn Cass of Onawa, IA and Cindy Parker of Jackson, WY; six grandchildren, Tim (Traci), Bryan (Margie), Rachel, Bradley, Eric and Allison (Jeff); great grandchildren, Tawnie, Alexander, Rhiannon, Timmie and Tiffanie; brother, Tom (Marian) Solien of Sloan, IA and their children, Jeff, Rod, and Debbie; and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert "Bob" Cass in September 2011; and a son-in-law, Alan Parker in January 2007.
Monona Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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