Shirley Wolfgram

Shirley Maxine (Keese) Wolfgram passed away on November 28, 2024, at UnityPoint-Waterloo. She had just turned 93 years old. She was born on November 27, 1931, to Lester and Twylah (Engel) Keese. Shirley graduated from Geneseo High School in 1950, she was so proud of the fact she was the only girl in her graduating class. After high school she went on to marry the love of her life, Milton Wolfgram, on May 20, 1952, in Traer, Iowa. He passed away in February of 2003. They spent 51 great years together.

Shirley took pride in taking care of her family. During her life being a mother to their daughter Cindy and being a homemaker was her main job, and she did it perfectly.

Shirley was the gal that didn’t listen to anyone. She was very independent and was still mowing her own yard till she was 90 years. She loved her daily walks, sometimes two to three times a day. Shirley was a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 72 years. Shirley loved her sports. She was a proud UNI Football Season Ticket holder for many years, and was an avid follower of all Iowa Hawkeye sports, mainly the Hawkeye women’s basketball team. But her biggest love was for her North Tama Redhawks. She was at every game, sitting in the same spot. Shirley and her friend Charlene attended so many events that the baseball and basketball teams would ask “Where are the Muppet ladies?” if they missed a game.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Milton; two brothers, Jim and Jack Keese; one sister, Beverly Hoeg and one granddaughter, Michele Mennen.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Cindy (Steve) Holen, of Sully, IA; one brother, Larry “Butch” Keese, of Madrid, IA; one sister-in-law, Donna Wolfgram, of Traer, IA; one granddaughter, Pam (Bruce) DeVries, of New Hartford, IA; six great grandchildren: Kyle (Nisa) Slifer, Travis (Jessica) Slifer, Hailey (Tobias) DeVries, Zachary Mennen, Damien (Tabitha) Mennen, Brooke Mennen; 14 great-great grandchildren, plus one on the way and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be held on Friday December 6, 2024, at 11:00 am at Traer United Methodist Church, Traer, IA. Visitation will be held prior to service on December 6, 2024, from 9:30-11:00 am. Burial will follow at Buckingham Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family.