Shirley was born on July 24, 1930 and lived in Sarpy County all 96 years of her life. She was raised on a farm north of Papillion by her parents George and Emma (Spethman) Lutz. Shirley was baptized on August 10, 1930 and confirmed on May 30, 1943 at First Lutheran Church in Papillion. The family eventually bought a farm north of Springfield. Shirley and her husband, Paul Schuessler, were married at First Lutheran on February 8, 1952, on her parents’ thirtieth anniversary. Paul died in 2007 after 55 years of marriage.
Shirley joyfully lived out her faith as she continued to be very involved at First Lutheran throughout her life. She taught Sunday School and served as Sunday School superintendent, as well as being very involved with social ministry and altar guild, organizing visitation teams, creating beautiful banners for the sanctuary, preparing meals for those in need, and so much more. She and her dear friends from church made such precious memories working together, laughing together, and even enjoying lively slumber parties!
Shirley was a beloved and successful elementary reading teacher, mostly in Bellevue Public Schools, for 35 years before her retirement in 1991. Many of the colleagues she worked with there became treasured lifelong friends. After retirement, Shirley found great joy in nurturing her many flower gardens, creating colorful displays for all to enjoy. She lived on her own until just a few months prior to her death.
Survivors include her son Doug Schuessler of Bellevue and daughter Paulette Schmidt of Ames, IA; grandsons Mark (Anna Johnson) Schmidt of Ames, IA and Tim Schmidt of Ames, IA; granddaughter Sara (Josh) Pettis of Papillion; great-grandsons Joshua Jr, Joseph, and Samuel Pettis; and Zachary and Theo Schmidt; brother-in-law Norman Schuessler and his wife Ruth; as well as many cherished nephews and nieces, and beloved neighbors Philip “Flip” and Marylou McEvoy. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter-in-law Rose (Klabunde) Schuessler; and her son-in-law Rev. Leland Schmidt.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the loving staff at Cedarhurst and to the Hillcrest Hospice team who cared for her in her final weeks.
Funeral services will be held at First Lutheran Church in Papillion on Thursday, August 6 at 10:30 AM, with visitation beginning at 9:30. Graveside services will be held at Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park at 1:00. Arrangements are under the direction of Kahler-Dolce Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church, to Stephen Center, to the Alzheimer’s Association, or to a charity of your choice.
