Shirley Ann Grefe Biar entered her eternal rest on Monday, August 2, 2021. Born in Hoffman, Illinois, March 15, 1941, she was preceded in death by her parents Ernst and Anna (Brandhorst) Grefe and preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Dr. Henry H. Biar, whom she enjoyed a 51 year marriage to a man she dearly loved. She is survived by her two siblings and their spouses; Betty (Grefe) Draves and husband, Don of Hoffman, IL; Bob Grefe and wife Karen, of Tinley Park, IL; her four children and their spouses; Rev. Henry Biar, Jr. of Skokie, IL; Andrew Biar and wife, Elizabeth, of Houston, Texas; Karisa (Biar) Schepmann and husband, Daniel, of League City, Texas; Kathryn (Biar) Schweninger and husband, Ed, of San Antonio, Texas; her 13 grandchildren; Kayla (Biar) King and husband Matt; Ava Schweninger; Thomas Schepmann and wife Lauren; Ethan Schweninger; Lauren Biar; Keenan Biar; Arden Schweninger; Caroline Schepmann; Catherine Biar; Anna Schepmann; Pierce Biar; William Biar; and Shelby Biar; and her many nieces and nephews.
Shirley graduated from Steeleville, IL High School in 1959 as co-valedictorian. Upon completion of the nursing program at Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, School of Nursing in 1962, she began her nursing career at Anna State Hospital as an RN. She worked in nursing homes as an Assistant Director of Nursing and then as the Director of Nursing. She retired from the State of Texas Department of Aging and Disability after 22 years of faithful service with this department.
As a supportive and ministry-driven pastor’s wife, Shirley was very active with hospital visits and shut-in calls as well as various roles as a Confirmation mom, which included listening to Confirmation memory work and Acolyte coordinator. She held various leadership positions in the church; LWML chairperson, mother-daughter banquet chairperson for many years, Superintendent and Secretary of the Sunday School, as well as the chili cook-off chairperson. Shirley enjoyed being a Wedding Coordinator for the weddings her husband officiated and she was involved in numerous other ministries. She ultimately received the “Dorcas Award,” recognizing her servant heart and dedication to ministry to King of Kings.
As a loving, thoughtful and discerning mother, she raised four children, while balancing the demands of work and home life. She was blessed with 13 grandchildren and loved each of them dearly. She enjoyed spending time with them and attending various milestone events in all of their lives. Her infectious laugh and “Shirleyisms” were a special treat and blessing to her grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling, especially if it involved visiting her family.
Living in Franklin Park, she developed many new friends and tried many new activities. She was a special blessing to her friends and neighbors alike, who enjoyed her company, demeanor, and sweet disposition.
We give thanks to God for her faith in Jesus. She was a baptized child of God and we grieve with hope knowing that she is with Jesus. We love you mom! We love you grandma! “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
A Visitation will be held on Monday, August 9, 2021 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Sunset Funeral Home, at 1701 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, TX. The funeral service will follow on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 1:00pm at King of Kings Lutheran Church, at 13888 Dreamwood Dr., San Antonio, TX. A graveside ceremony will be held at Fort Sam National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials can be made in her honor to King of Kings Lutheran Church.
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