Shirley Gertrude Pretzlaff

Shirley Gertrude Pretzlaff, 87, of Lincoln, CA, passed away on the morning of December 13, 2022 after a courageous 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Despite her diagnosis and the looming threat of COVID, Shirley continued to live her life to the fullest. She created holiday feasts for her family, spent joyful times with her friends, and traveled with her favorite traveling partner, her beloved husband, Dr. Richard (Dick) Pretzlaff. Everyone who knew Shirley, knew that she was a devoted wife and mother who, with energy, generosity, and intention, prioritized the care and well-being of her loved ones.

Shirley was born on March 23, 1935, to Joseph and Minnie Kofender in Detroit, Michigan. Joe and Minnie, both Jewish Eastern European immigrants, created a loving childhood for Shirley that was rich with all the joys of Jewish culture. Detroit and her Jewish heritage remained important aspects of Shirley’s identity. After Shirley graduated from Detroit’s Central High School in 1952, she went on to study Education at Wayne State University. Always a bright and capable student with a love of learning, Shirley eventually earned her master’s degree at the University of Michigan. Shirley and Dick met during their first job while both were teaching 6th grade. While Dick went on to become a school administrator, Shirley continued to teach upper elementary grades, creating an esteemed 32-year career in public education. Loved by her students, their parents, and her staff, Shirley was named Teacher of the Year for the 1990-91 school year.

In 1994, Shirley retired from teaching. She and Dick bought a lovely lakeside home in Michigan where they enjoyed entertaining family and friends and beautiful summer days on their pontoon boat. Retirement also allowed more opportunity for travel. Shirley and Dick traveled all over the world visiting every continent except Antarctica. In 2003, they followed two of their children, Robert and Renee, and grandson, Evan, to California. Shirley and Dick settled into the Sacramento Valley and created a beautiful home in Lincoln Hill’s Sun City. Shirley quickly became an active member in the Lincoln Hills Shalom Social Group where she nurtured deep friendships and an active social life. She was admired for her wit, intelligence, integrity, warmth, style, and ability to bring people together.

Shirley is survived by her adored husband, Richard, her treasured children, Dr. Ronda (Michael) Diegel, Dr. Robert (Diana) Pretzlaff, and Renee (Dale) Asher, her cherished three grandchildren, Evan Pretzlaff, Sophie Jorgensen, and Max Jorgensen, and her brother, Dr. Marvin (Jane) Kofender.

Shirley will be buried in a private funeral service on December 28, 2022 at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery. Her family will sit Shivah at Dick and Shirley’s home in Lincoln. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any organization that works to fight pancreatic cancer.

This list of organizations may be helpful:

https://impactful.ninja/best-charities-that-fight-pancreatic-cancer/.