Shirley J. Echelberger

Shirley J. Echelberger, 78, of Otho, IA, died Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at Unity Point - Trinity Regional Medical Center. A gathering of family and friends will be from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at the Historic Bruce Funeral Home, 923 1st Avenue South – Fort Dodge. Inurnment will take place at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Shirley was born October 5, 1942, in Fort Dodge, the daughter of Carl and Gladys (Lyngstad) Hayes. She graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High in 1960. On October 8, 1966, she was united in marriage to Dennis Echelberger at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge. Shirley worked at Trinity Regional Medical Center for 47 years, until her retirement in 2007. Shirley enjoyed spending time with her family – especially her grandson. She also enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, reading magazines, listening to music (50's & 60's Rock N' Roll and Bobby Vee), crafts/scrapbooking, and tending to her flowers and plants. She loved finding a good bargain and would often frequent garage sales and thrift shops. Shirley had a big heart and will be deeply missed.

Shirley is survived by her husband of nearly 55 years: Dennis Echelberger of Otho; 3 children: Scott Echelberger of Otho, Jennifer Echelberger of Otho and Todd Echelberger of Fort Dodge; 2 grandchildren: Keaton Echelberger of Fort Dodge and Keeley Degner of Fort Dodge; and a brother: Robert Martin of Fort Dodge. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and 2 sisters: Sherri Martin and Sharlene Stockwell.