Obituaries : Shirley Larsen

Shirley Larsen, 94, of Iowa City, formerly a long-term resident of rural Grinnell, died at Solon Nursing Care Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Per Shirley's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A family service will be held at a later date.

Shirley Schultz was born at home on the family farm in Bryant, South Dakota, on July 10, 1931. In 1935 she moved with her parents, William Schultz and Emma Pauls Schultz, and her brothers and sisters to Van Horne, Iowa, to farm and eventually settled on a farm in Belle Plaine.

Shirley graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1949 and then attended St. Luke's School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids, graduating in 1952.

Shirley worked at Grinnell General Hospital from the time she graduated until the time of her retirement, primarily in the Obstetrics Department.

On March 6, 1955, she married Raymond Larsen of Grinnell. They farmed together southeast of Grinnell for 61 years. They had 5 children: Sheri, Cynthia, Diedre, Gwenda, and Kevin.

Shirley had a passion for nursing, and especially loved her obstetrics career. She is fondly remembered by many of the families whose children she helped deliver.

Shirley played an active role on the farm along with her husband. There was rarely a weed found on the place, or a lawn that wasn't pristinely mowed, or a piece of equipment that couldn't be repaired if "you just studied it for a bit." Shirley took 14 piano lessons in her youth and continued to play almost daily into her 90s.

Shirley was devoted to her family. She cooked amazing meals, enjoyed making her famous apple pie, sewed clothing for her children in the early years, showed her children how to work hard (especially weeding beanfields and baling hay on the hottest days of summer). She was a role model of being kind to everyone she encountered and sticking up for the underdog.

Shirley is survived by her five children, Sheri (Scott) Crowley, Cynthia Larsen, Diedre (David) Fleener, Gwenda Larsen and Kevin Larsen. She has 5 grandchildren, Caitlin, Carly, Ellie, Lauren (Jeff), and Karl. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, 7 siblings, and her husband.

Memorials may be designated to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Moments Hospice and mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Shirley's family online at www.smithfh.com.