Memorial
Shirley Jean Wensel, 85, of Osage Beach, Missouri, was called home by the Lord on December 30, 2021, surrounded by her family, in Osage Beach, Missouri. A visitation will be held from 12:00 to 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow the visitation and begin at 1:00 PM.
Shirley was born on September 1, 1936, the oldest of eight children born in Petersburg, Indiana, to James L. Caldemeyer and June M. (Postin) Caldemeyer. She graduated in 1955 from Evansville, Indiana. She married Gordon W. Wensel on April 2, 1962, in Winslow, Indiana. Gordon and Shirley moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they raised their four children. She was a lifelong member of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She worked in several professions that included director of YWCA, Collins Radio, Amana Refrigeration, Square D, and Caldemeyer Communications. Shirley’s focus in life was on her children, grandchildren, and beloved husband. In 1990, she and Gordon moved to Camdenton, Missouri.
She loved playing Bingo, horses, and listening to country music. Her favorite artist, and undoubtedly his biggest fan, was her son Gordy. She also loved listening to Mickey Gilley and Alan Jackson
Shirley is survived by her beloved husband, Gordon W. Wensel Sr. of 60 years; Son Gordon (Debbie) Wensel Jr. of Mesa, AZ, Daughter Rhona (Tim) Gearhart of Camdenton, MO, Son Geoffrey (Kyung) Wensel of Waynesville, MO; Grandchildren Matthew, Amy, Jessica, and Jeremy Wensel; She received news on Christmas day that she would soon be a great grandmother; she is also survived by her sister Janet Willett of Marion, IA, and brother James Caldemeyer II of Hawkins, TX.
Shirley was preceded in death by parents James and June Caldemeyer. Brothers Samuel Caldemeyer, Ronald Caldemeyer, and Richard Caldemeyer. Sisters Phyllis Caldemeyer and Edith Elder. Daughter Joanna Wensel.
She was loved by family and friends and will be missed.
Memorials may be directed to the family.