Shirley Jean Jahncke, 96 of Galena, IL passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Galena Midwest Senior Care Community Center. The funeral service will be held at 11 AM, Monday, January 22, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. Friends may call from 2 to 4 PM, on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel. The burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Galena. She was born May 19, 1927, in Galena, the daughter of George and Gladys (Coates) Herman. Shirley graduated from Galena High School with the class of 1945 and Bayliss Business College in Dubuque in 1946. She was united in marriage to John E. Jahncke on May 20, 1950, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena and he preceded her in death on April 2, 1965. Shirley was the oldest living member of the First Presbyterian Church and served as secretary, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday school. Shirley was also a member of the Rebekka Lodge and the VFW Women’s Auxiliary. Her claim to fame was being voted as Galena’s Mardi Gras Queen. But her true calling was working with and teaching special needs children, which she did for 23 years. Shirley’s greatest joy was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She never hesitated to share with anyone who would listen how proud she was of all of them. She is survived by her four children, Susan (Robert) Tierney, William (Susan) Jahncke, Jane (Richard) O’Brien, Thomas (Nancy) Jahncke; son-in-law Paul Herbert, ten grandchildren, Ellen and Sally Herbert, Kristy Patterson, Bruce and Katie Jahncke, John, Jake, and Jeff O’Brien, John and Anna Jahncke, and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter Nancy, her son Richard, and her siblings, Robert, Richard, Marcella, Jane, and Kenneth. The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Becky, and Amber, for their compassion and care for Mom. A very special and heartfelt thank you to the many angels at the Galena Midwest Senior Care Community Center. Words cannot express our gratitude for all the help, compassion, and comfort you provided Mom during her time there. You made her feel loved and cared for and we are eternally grateful. Memorials may be made in Shirley’s honor to either the Jo Daviess County Workshop, Galena, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.
Shirley Jean Jahncke
I don’t even know how to describe Shirley. I’ve known her since first grade when I met Jane and she was a great friend to my mom going all the way back to their school days. She was the only lady who was allowed to call my brother Ben Benji! When she was flustered over something she would sometimes call 911 hoping Benji would answer. I am positive that everyone who knew Shirley loved Shirley. You just couldn’t not love her. Shirley did an amazing job raising her family. She will be missed.
I love you grandma Shirley and miss you dearly. Thank you for always being there for us, even though we weren’t your blood grand children. You took care of us and always let us feel welcome in your home. I remember making melty beads at your house anytime I would come over. You would also make sure to have fresh chocolate chip cookies freshly baked out of the oven for my brothers and I. You always sent me home with the burnt ones for my Dad. I have so many fond memories with you like going to after school with group with you, napping on your couch while being covered up by one of your hand made afghan blankets, and sifting through the “Anne Gedde’s” famous baby flower photographs. You were definitely one of the warmest loveliest people in our lives. We won’t ever forget everything you did for us and our family and we especially won’t forget your beautiful demeanor and smile. I love you grandma, rest easy. ❤️
Such a beautiful and giving woman! God speed❤️
I am so sorry to hear that Shirley passed. My condolences to her family. Shirley and my mother Noreen (McDermott) McCarthy went through school together and graduated together. They were close friends and looked after each other as residents of the Galena Nursing Home. Mom will truly miss Shirley’s company. I enjoyed talking to her when I visited on Christmas Eve Day. Bless her heart. She was a very special lady.
A very kind and caring lady. My condolences to the family 🙏🏻🙏🏻♥️♥️ cathy(Jobgen) Calvert
Beautiful photo of Mommy, Shirley. She is forever in my heart as the 2nd Mom in my life that brought me laughter, and joy of every little circumstance in life, warmth in my heart…every time she would tell a Shirley story, compassion and care for each individual no matter what their circumstance, a Godly woman that lived the life the Lord placed in her path with a faith that witnessed to us all, a best friend to my Mom, ( I loved to see those two pull pranks and laugh uncontrollable!) Shirley you will forever be imprinted on my heart as an angel and Saint. I know how much she loved her family and how proud she was-is of all of you. We are all blessed to have shared this life with Snirkles!!!
Love and condolences to my 2nd family.. thanks for the memories.
I count Shirley as my “most admired woman.” She loved me as family from our first meeting even though I was only the wife of her daughter’s brother in law. And…. I was to learn she loved EVERYONE that way! Shirley gracefully accepted all the challenges that God allowed in her life and she rose to overcome and thrive. She was genuine in her laughter and tears, generous with encouraging words, faithful in her Christian walk and fun when interacting w/ kids. I loved her. ANYONE who knew her loved her. She’s now experiencing wonderful reunions in the arms of Jesus. Thank you all for sharing your mom/grandma.
Weeping tears of sadness and yet joy…
Sad that you have left but joy knowing you are in Heaven with your beloved family members and so thankful for your beautiful, loving nature which you not only passed on to your family (3 generations and counting) but to everyone who was fortunate to be a part of your incredible life.
The halo in the sky as you passed says it all!
God Speed GiGi, Gram Gram, Shirley.
i always remember as a little girl playing restaurant with my cousins in her house and eating her cookies. she always wanted to make sure our imagination was brought out in her house. i’ll always remember her sweet presence
What a great loss for her friends and family; though I am sure Shirley was ready to go to her heavenly home! She was a very special, wonderful woman—what I like to refer to as a saint on earth! Sending love and hugs from Alan and Joyce.
Thomas—Sosorry about your mom. She was a great mother and loved you children dearly. Mary and I are in
California and will not see you at the wake service. HOPE you are doing well. Won’t be back to Galena until Jan 26 so will miss you. Bob Roth
We are very sorry for your loss. We know this is a sad time, but a good time for celebrating the wonderful life that Shirley had.
To the family.
Neil and I are sorry for your loss of your mother. She was a sweet lady. Tom sorry we couldn’t make it. The cold is hard on my arthritis in the knees and ankles. Tim Middendorf still lives with us and he sends his condolences also. May your mother RIP. Prayers and hugs sent.
Our condolences to the family. Your mom was a nice lady. RIP Shirley
Neil and Toni Moser and Tim Middendorf
Our sincere condolences for the loss of your mother
Neil and Toni Moser and Tim Middendorf
Our sincere condolences at this time for the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful lady. May she RIP.
Neil and Toni Moser
Tim Middendorf
Our Deepest Sympathies to Shirley’s Beloved Family. We pray your faith will give you strength and comfort! The loss of your Mother and Grandmother has saddened us, too!! She was an incredible lady!! Peace and Blessings, Andy and Beth Bussan
So sorry for your loss
Neil and Toni Moser
Tim Middendorf
So sorry to hear about Shirley. From the time I met Paul and Nancy, it was obvious how much she meant to them and to the family. Stephen and I will be thinking of all of you tomorrow.
I only met Shirley on a couple of occasions. She was a wonderful woman. The family legacy she leaves behind is phenomenal.
I send my sincere sympathy to Shirley’s family. I was in high school when Shirley was secretary there. Everyone loved her – she was so kind, friendly and helpful to the students. She never changed and to this day I always enjoyed seeing her and visiting with her. She was a special lady! – and will not be forgotten.
I send my sincere sympathy to Shirley’s family. When I was in high school, Shirley was the secretary there. Everyone loved her – she was always so kind, friendly and helpful to the students. She never changed and I always enjoyed seeing and visiting with her. She was a special lady and will not be forgotten.
My name is Bev Tranel Brewer from Galena, and I have known Shirley for a very long time. I just want to give my condolences to the whole family. Sorry for your loss.
Now, Nancy has her mom with her again!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
So sorry to hear about,Shirley.She was a wonderful lady. ✨🙏 Dale & BeAnn Diskin
So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. I worked with her at the middle school for years and enjoyed her friendship. We shared many laughs together!
May you be blessed with many memories of a wonderful lady.