Shirley Ann Jaschen

Born on February 17, 1943, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Alfred and Violet (Sampica) Ortman, Shirley grew up in Waterloo and attended Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, where she was baptized and confirmed.

Shirley married Norman Jaschen on November 3, 1962. They made their home in Denver, Iowa, where they welcomed two daughters. In the early years of their marriage, they received a call from the Lord to serve as missionaries with Lutheran Bible Translators.

In September 1973, the family moved to Liberia, West Africa, to begin literacy work among the Kisi people. While in Liberia, they were blessed with another daughter and a son. Shirley was known there as “Sia Sayaning.” Their service with the Kisi people and Lutheran Bible Translators continued until 1989. Her years in Liberia were among Shirley’s greatest joys—she deeply loved the people, the climate, the food, and the fellowship of their missionary community.

After returning to the United States, Shirley remained active in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), church choirs, and Bible studies. She was an avid reader and enjoyed watching sports and game shows. Shirley’s beautiful singing voice and love of music live on in her children.

Shirley is survived by her four children: Michelle (Peter) Gueldner of Monticello, MN; Cynthia (Ray) Crestik of Cloquet, MN; Sara (Ryan) Wendt of Billings, MT; Jeremy (Crystle) Jaschen of Shawnee, KS

She is also survived by 11 grandchildren—Crista Gueldner, Alyssa (Scott) Braaten, Brianna (Dave) Vouk, Derek (Angie) Gueldner, Tanisha Crestik, Tarek Crestik, Tieryn Crestik, Samuel Wendt, Elizabeth Wendt, Lydia Wendt, and Rachel Wendt—and 12 great-grandchildren: Rogne Braaten, Matthias Braaten, Sarabelle Braaten, Emmett Vouk, Emberlyn Vouk, Emerie Vouk, Harrison Gueldner, Henry Gueldner, Dawson Gueldner, Hazel Gueldner, Letty Crestik, and Dominick Lawrence.

She was preceded in death by her father, Alfred Ortman; mother, Violet (Sampica) Ortman; stepmother, Agnes (Maas) Ortman; and her beloved husband of 57 years, Norman Jaschen.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Cura of Monticello for their care over the past five years, and to Moments Hospice for their compassionate support in her final days.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Sunset Kapala Glodek Funeral Home, with a visitation one hour prior. Interment at Sunset Cemetery to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Lutheran Bible Translators at lbt.org, dedicated in Shirley’s memory.

Thank you, Mom, for your faithful service to the Lord, your loving devotion to Dad, and your unwavering example of faith. We look forward to a joyful reunion one day.

With all our love,

Michelle, Cindy, Sara, and Jeremy

(Sia, Kumba, Finda, and Saa)