Shirley Irene (Peck) Nation, the daughter of Henry and Irene (Lepper) Peck, was born October 4, 1931, in Remsen, IA. She attended school in Cherokee, and graduated from Wilson High School in 1949.
She was united in marriage to Harold James Nation on June 16, 1951, in Stevenson, WA. From this union, one son, Michael and four daughters, Penny, Becky, Carrie and Patty were born. Shirley and Harold celebrated their family. They were quick to brag; you would often hear Shirley declare how beautiful her children were. They celebrated the birth of every grandchild and reveled in the glory of their "Greats".
Shirley worked hard all her life at numerous places-most recently for Nelson Electric. She and Harold enjoyed time spent at their beloved lake home in Round Lake, MN, where they fished together. They were amazing on roller skates and the dance floor. They danced their last dance on February 7, 2014--the night she died. She loved bowling and playing cards with her sisters and her daughters. She was a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary, having held many offices including Past President of the Statewide Chapter, Past 8th District President, Past President of the local Chapter #2253, and was Treasurer of the local Chapter for 30 years. She was a devout patriot. Her life was a beautiful journey, as she continued to give gifts and lessons to her children.
Following a lingering illness, Shirley passed away at her home, surrounded by family, on Friday, February 7, 2014, at the age of 82. She joins her parents, her brother Carroll, sister Charlotte and great-granddaughter Olivia in heaven.
Loved ones to follow her are her beloved husband, Harold, her son, Michael and wife Chong of Sergeant Bluff, IA, daughters Penny and her husband, Scott Christensen of Cherokee, Becky and her husband Dave Westphal of Aurelia, IA, Carrie Oliver and her special friend, Jim Caswell of Cherokee, and Patty Gotto of Iowa City, IA. Also mourning the loss of their grandma are 13 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Marilyn (John) Storbeck and LaVon (Bob) Roberts; many nephews and nieces; other relatives and friends.
Shirley will be missed in this world by all who knew her.
SERVICES
Tuesday, February 11th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Cherokee.
OFFICIATING
Pastor Magrey deVega
CASKET BEARERS
Honorary pallbearers will be:
David Westphal
Christopher Christensen
Collin Christensen
Dean Oliver
Charles Oliver
Michael Oliver
Bradly Gotto
James Alter
Timothy Nation
VISITATION
Monday, February 10th at 2:00 p.m. with the family present from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Greenwood Funeral Home in Cherokee.
MUSIC
Organist-Betty Point
Soloist-Charlie Leissler
"Hallelujah"
"On The Wings of a Snow White Dove"
Soloist-Lori Ebel
"Amazing Grace"
INTERMENT
Private family burial will be held at a later date.