Passed away peacefully with family by her side, on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Tabitha Skilled Care in Crete
Shirley was born March 15, 1941 in Fremont to Herbert and Julia 'Lehman' Knoell. She was raised in Fremont and graduated from Fremont High School in 1958. After school she worked for the phone company. On May 21, 1961 Shirley married Merlin Kuss at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont. They lived in Fremont, moved to Kansas but returned to Fremont to raise their family.
Shirley was very involved in her children's life. From Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to coaching softball and volunteering in many of their other activities. After her children were older she went to work as a 'day lady' at Burger King. She then worked for several years at Pinnacle Bank.
Shirley loved to volunteer in her community. She was involved with the Hospital Auxiliary, Lutheran Family Services, Dodge County Election Board, and the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She was an avid reader and a very 'crafty' person, making many quilts for family. Shirley was also an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. She and Merlin enjoyed the Pinnacle Bank Heritage Club and she went on many of the trips sponsored by the bank.
Her family was her greatest treasure.
Survivors:
Husband - Merlin
Children - Rod (Terri) Kuss of Crete
Phill (Tammy Jackson) Kuss of Papillion
Missy Bell of Story City, IA
Grandchildren - Lindsay (Thomas) Oelschlager, Adam (Amber) Kuss, Kelsey (Joey) Kalina,
Mandy (Garrett) Smith, Nic Bell, Nathan (Katelyn) Bell, Nolan Bell
Great grandchildren - Caydence, Aydin, Emilia, Ashton, Kade, Kinley, Sullivan, Everly,
Scout and Baby Ronnie due in February
Many dear friends, including her Beta Sigma Phi Sorority Sisters
Several Nieces and Nephews
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law Tom Bell, sister-in-law Diane Rinas, brother -in-law and sister-in-law Clarence and Lorraine Moseman.
The funeral will be 10:30am, Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fremont. Burial will follow in Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family. Visitation will be Wednesday from 3pm to 7pm with the family present from 5pm to 7pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(5)
Dave & Sonja Bauers
Fremont, NE Monday, January 29, 2024 Merlin and family, we were so sad to see that Shirley had passed away. Our deepest sympathy and love.Dave & Sonja Bauers
Dan Waggoner
Omaha, NE Wednesday, January 24, 2024 Phill and family my deepest condolences on the passing of your mom. Sorry i will not be able to be there but we will keep your family in our thoughts and prayersBrenda Walther
Branson, MO Wednesday, January 24, 2024 Sending my deepest sympathy to all of you. Wishing you peace during this time.You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Kreifels
Fremont, NE Monday, January 22, 2024 My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Shirley was always there when I needed someone to comfort and listen to me.Eileen & Bob Thornburg
Fremont, NE Monday, January 22, 2024 Dear Merlin & family,We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Shirley. What an amazing lady; she was so devoted to Faith, family & friends, & all her activities.
Shirley & I enjoyed many laughs & conversations over the years when we were in the Y water class.
May you continue to share all the special stories of memories about Shirley to help you smile.
Sincerely,
Eileen & Bob Thornburg