Shirley Jean Berggren, 88 years old, passed away at the Presbyterian Manor on August 14, 2024, after a lengthy illness. She was born June 6, 1936, the daughter of William and Jessie Pfizenmaier. She was raised on a farm near Green. She attended Idylwild school. She attended Clay Center High School and graduated in 1954.
She married her high school sweetheart, David Berggren on December 5, 1954, at the Swedesburg First Lutheran Church north of Clay Center Kansas.
They were blessed with three children: Steven, Susan, and Stephanie.
Shirley’s main joy was spending time with her family. She took pride in taking care of her home and large variety of flowers. She was an active member of Swedesburg Lutheran church participating in the choir, Lutheran women’s group and teaching Sunday school. Singing hymns was one of her favorite past times. She was a member of the Clay County Arts Council. She always looked forward to her time spent with friends and maintained many long-lasting friendships.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings: Maxine Friederich, Mary Ellen Kretz, Harvey Pfizenmaier, and Paul Pfizenmaier. She was also preceded in death by her son Steven in 1998.
Survivors include her loving husband of 69 1/2 years, David.
Daughter-in-law Ruth Berggren of Manhattan.
Daughter Susan Brake and husband Richard of Salina.
Daughter Stephanie Tharman and husband Steve of Paxico.
Eleven grandchildren: John Berggren (Libby Koerner), Brandon Berggren (Kim), Kristy Lawn (Dave), Dustin Brake (Jaci), Lindsey Brake, Conner Brake (Abby), Bethanie Krinhop (Matt), Blaine Tharman (Aimee Henry), Braden Tharman, Bryce Tharman and Baylie Tharman.
Fifteen great grandchildren.
One sister-in-law Shirley Pfizenmaier and many special nieces and nephews.
The Family would like to thank the staff at Presbyterian Manor and Meadowlark Hospice for their compassionate care.
Visitation will be 4-7 PM Thursday, August 22 at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, August 23 at the United Methodist Church in Clay Center
Memorials can be made to Swedesburg First Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer’s Association c/o the funeral home.
Condolences may be made at www.nsrfh.com