Shirley Waltner

Shirley Waltner, 89, of Freeman passed away Sept. 6th at Oakview Terrace in Freeman. Memorial Services will be at 11 am on Thursday Sept. 12th at the Salem Mennonite Church of rural Freeman. Visitation and viewing with the family present will be from 5-7 pm on Wednesday Sept. 11th at the Walter's Funeral Home in Freeman. .

Undesignated memorials will be directed towards Freeman Academy and the Prairie Arboretum. 

Shirley Jean Schrag was born to Charles and Adina (Preheim) Schrag October 3, 1934 on the family farm, rural Marion, SD. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, September 6, 2024 at Oakview Terrace in Freeman, SD, just shy of her 90th birthday.

She attended and graduated from both Freeman Academy and Freeman Junior College. She received baptism and membership into the Salem-Zion Mennonite Church September 24, 1950. Upon marriage, she transferred her membership to the Salem Mennonite Church where she reminded a faithful member until her passing.

Shirley married Calvin Waltner August 28, 1956. Calvin enjoyed good health for 13 years of married life and then he developed health issues (Addison ’s disease) and struggled with health issues the rest of his life. He died December 12, 1999.

During the first thirteen years, four children were born and brought much joy to their lives. Monte Joe, Lori Jean, Eric Jon and Wendy Jo completed the family circle.

Farming in the Turkey Ridge Valley provided many opportunities for the family such as fishing in the creek and stock dam, snow skiing, sledding and many other things they could do to keep them out of trouble and some things that got them into trouble!

Shirley had many interests that kept her busy, photography and designing and painting greeting cards. She designed and made cards for her friends and insurance clients for 60 years. Genealogy, letter writing, chalk talk presentations, calligraphy, quilting, entertaining guests, inviting college students for parties and attending sports activities kept her busy. She played on a women’s softball team until she was 50 years old. She also enjoyed family trips and two trips to Europe. A highlight was the trip in 2010 to see the Passion Play in Germany.

Employment included various places. She taught art one year in Dist. 34, a few miles east of the farm. Sewing draperies for Walter Furniture Store needed lots of patience with four youngsters under foot. Bookkeeping for Fensel’s Electric, legal secretary and 16 years working as a bookkeeper for Freeman Junior College and Academy. This afforded her countless hours of joy during the years the children attended school and took part in many activities, which Shirley could attend.

Starting a new career at age 53 was a challenge when she began working as an insurance agent for Mennonite Mutual Aid. After ten years working for MMA she became the receptionist for the Freeman Hospital and Nursing Home.

Preceding Shirley in death were her parents, Charles and Adina Schrag, husband Calvin Waltner, brother Duane Schrag, brothers and sisters-in laws, Harris and Christine Waltner, James Waltner and Hilda and Kenneth Kaufman.

Cherishing her memory are her children Monte Waltner, Lori (Dean) Schrag, Eric (Kathy) Waltner and Wendy (Brian) Miller, grandchildren, Toby Schrag, Cody Schrag, Justina Flolo (Megan Avon), Jackson Waltner, Beau Miller and Gabe Miller; as well as sisters, Donna (Clyde) Smith, Flora (William) Skillern, and Mae (Monte) Nelson, sister-in-laws, LaVonne Schrag and Lenore Waltner and nieces and nephews.