Memorial

Shirley Raejean (Swain) Wachal, 87 of Cedar Rapids, Iowa died on Friday, November 06, 2020 at UnityPoint St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa following a short illness.  A private family funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories.  Burial will follow at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will be having a celebration of life in the spring. A live stream for this service can be viewed at: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/95851960 at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 21, 2020.

As mandated by proclamation, social distancing must be practiced. The use of facemasks or shields is required.

Shirley was born January 27, 1933 near Marengo, Iowa the daughter of Herbert Arthur Swain and Hannah Irene (Misel) Swain.  She grew up on a farm outside Williamsburg and attended rural school York #5 and Williamsburg High School graduating in 1951 as the valedictorian. After graduation in the early 1950’s Shirley worked at the Journal Tribune newspaper in Williamsburg and the federal agricultural office in Cedar Rapids where she met her husband Richard who worked in the same office building.

Shirley was united in marriage on August 11, 1956, to Richard D. Wachal at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They were married for 47 years before Richard’s passing in 2003.  She was baptized into the Christian faith on April 07, 1966, at Central Park Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Shirley returned to work in the early 1970’s – Newton’s Jewelry, Apac Telemarketing  and Edgewood Daycare in Cedar Rapids, retiring in the early 1990’s. Shirley enjoyed quilting, crocheting, sewing, gardening, spending time with family and friends and taking photos/journaling to document special family moments.
She is survived by her children; Julia, John and Craig Wachal all of Cedar Rapids, IA; and Rick Wachal of North Liberty, IA; grandchildren, Courtney Wachal of Chicago, IL; and Caleb Wachal of Columbus, OH; sister-in-law, Nancy Swain of Williamsburg, IA; nieces, Diane Yoder of Williamsburg, IA, TeriLea (Terry) Schwarting of Marengo, IA; and nephews, Brian (Geri) Swain of Oxford, IA and Doug (Lisa) Wachal of Davenport, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Richard, daughter Laura in childhood; brother Lloyd, brother-in-law Donald Sr.; sister-in-law Evelyn, and nephews Dennis and Donald ‘Donnie’ Wachal Jr.

We would also like to express our thanks to St. Luke’s UnityPoint Hospice staff who provided compassionate end-of-life care, the dedicated Highland Ridge Retirement Community and Care Center staff whose loving care brought many smiles to Mom’s face, and Pastor Tim Miller of Trinity United Church of Christ, Marengo, who offered comfort through his faithful visits and prayers.  

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Family and Consumer Science Department, Williamsburg High School, PO Box 120, Williamsburg, IA 52361, or Trinity United Church of Christ, 1895 200th Street, Marengo, Iowa   52301.  Please reference Shirley Wachal. 

We feel blessed to have been the children of such an intelligent, kind, and humble woman who lived to bring more love and understanding into the world. We will strive to honor your memory by continuing your mission, Mom!