Shirley Mae Juhl, the daughter of Charles and Cleo (Askren) Edinger, was born October 3, 1935, in Marian County near Knoxville, Iowa, and died December 1, 2023, at the Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa at the age of 88 years, 1 month, and 28 days.
Shirley was baptized and confirmed at the Methodist Church in Lovilla, Iowa. She attended the Lovilla Community Schools and graduated with the Class of 1953. Shirley moved to Des Moines, Iowa, and was employed as a typist.
On January 29, 1956, she was united in marriage to Emmert Juhl at the Methodist Church in Lovilla. They were blessed with four children Sharon, Karen, Robert, and William. They farmed several farms in the Audubon County area until they purchased a farm in 1962 near Brayton, Iowa. Shirley helped Emmert operate the farm where they grew corn and soybeans and raised cattle, hogs, and assorted livestock. They sold the farm in the early 1990’s. Then retired, and moved to Exira, Iowa. During retirement, they bought a travel trailer and during the winters would travel to the southern areas: Florida, Mexico and then spent many winters in Texas. Emmert died December 5, 2010. Shirley lived in her home before moving to her apartment.
Shirley was an active member of the Exira Lutheran Church in Exira. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Brayton, a member of the Red Hat Ladies, and the Garden Club. Shirley enjoyed playing cards, especially pinochle; sewing, gardening, and crocheting. Shirley had a beautiful voice and sang during many events. anniversaries, funerals, and other occasions in the area. Shirley enjoyed being with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Preceding her in death was her husband Emmert; her son Robert Juhl; her parents; her sister Lois and husband James Harris; and her sister-in-law Lois Jean and husband Richard Bishop Sr.
Survivors include her children Sharon Juhl of Fayetteville, Tennessee; Karen and husband Allan Ruch of Dayton, Ohio; and William and wife Marie Juhl of Lexington, South Carolina; her grandchildren Jonathan Juhl; Megan and husband Wesley Wright and their children Dakota and Maverick all of Fayetteville, Tennessee; Allyson and husband Eugene Jeunelot of Huber Heights, Ohio; Gregory Ruch and his children Evelyn and Logan of Dayton, Ohio; Kelly and husband Craig T. Smith and children Natalie and Charles all of Dayton, Ohio; Zachary Juhl and Jared Juhl both of Lexington, South Carolina; Janet Juhl of Atlantic, Iowa, Stephanie Juhl and companion Luis Trejo and children Anna and Milo all of Enid, Oklahoma, and Sandra Juhl and daughter Alicia of Atlantic, Iowa; Robert’s companion Ruth Westergard of Exira, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
The family will greet friends on Thursday evening, December 7, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa. Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Kelley Pedersen on Friday afternoon, December 8, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Exira Lutheran Church in Exira, Iowa. Interment will be in the Exira Cemetery in Exira. The casket bearers will be William Juhl, Zack Juhl, Jared Juhl, Allan Ruch, Eugene Jeunelot, Jon Juhl, and Gregory Ruch.
