Shirley Jean Berberich

     Shirley, born on June 25, 1941, in Hartley, Iowa, to Harold and Arley (Santage) Zieman, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2024 at home. Shirley grew up on a farm south of Royal, Iowa, where she developed a strong work ethic and a love for the rural lifestyle. She graduated from Royal High School in 1959.

     After high school, Shirley moved to Minneapolis with her cousin, LaRae, where they lived for two years.  She entered airline attendant training, but gave it up for a secretarial position at Honeywell.  In 1961, she returned to Royal to marry the love of her life, John Berberich. Together, they made their home on the farmstead that John’s father built outside of Royal, creating a life filled with love and hard work.

      Shirley and John were blessed with six children: Brent, Bruce, Tracy, Troy, Micah, and Tonia. 

     A dedicated Catholic, Shirley was a pillar of strength and kindness to those around her. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, sewing, and gardening. Shirley was a stay-at-home mother and farm wife who worked very hard assisting with every aspect of the farm.  Shirley and John traveled all over the world and saw many great sights. For the past 34 years, she and John spent many weeks in Mexico, where they formed lasting friendships and created countless cherished memories. 

      Shirley's warmth, generosity, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends, and in the beautiful memories they shared together.

     Left to cherish her memory are husband John;  six children and spouses Brent (Laura) of Royal, IA, Bruce (Shelley) of Royal, IA, son-in-law Mike Heller of West Des Moines, IA; Troy (Sue) of Royal, IA, Micah (Jessica) of Madrid, IA and Tonia (Christian) of Portland, OR.; 17 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy and pride to her life; one brother Roger Zieman of Royal, IA and one sister Mary Petersen of Fremont, NE. 

     Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Donald Zieman and her daughter, Tracy Heller.

     The Visitation will be held June 13 from 5:00-7:00 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer, IA.  The funeral service will also be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Friday, June 14 at 10:30, with a reception to follow.

      In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Spencer Hospital or Royal Fire Department in Shirley’s memory.

You can watch the funeral by clicking on the link below.

www.spencersacredheart.com/funerals