A beautiful soul and beloved heart of the Haag family left this earth and joined her husband in heaven on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025.
Shirley Ann Haag was a devoted farm wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished time spent with family and friends above all else. Her home was always welcoming and the center of family activity.
She was born on March 18, 1932, daughter of Fred and Ella (Petersen) Burkholder, near Winthrop, MN. At age six, Shirley moved to Adair County where she lived most of her life. She grew up on the family farm in the Zion community and attended school there until graduating in 1950. She enjoyed playing 6 on 6 basketball, singing, playing snare drums, guitar, and spending time with a handsome young guy she met on the school bus named Harold Haag. Shirley and Harold were married at the Hill of Zion Church on June 10, 1951, and moved to a farm north of Orient where they lived for 68 years. They were blessed with three children: Susan, Robert, and Sheryl.
Shirley was very involved in the community, and was a member of the Orient United Methodist Church, the neighborhood ON Club, and Order of the Eastern Star. She was a Sunday school teacher, Mother Advisor to Rainbow Girls, and 4-H leader. Shirley loved to sew, bake, and cook and would always be singing while she worked. There were usually at least three different desserts on her countertop on any given day. She grew a big vegetable garden every year and loved her flowers. Growing orchids was her specialty. Shirley enjoyed playing cards and games and was active in weekly bridge groups.
Grandchildren were a special part of Shirley’s life. Activity around her home increased with frequent visits and overnight stays. She rarely missed a sporting event, dance recital, concert, birthday or holiday. She was proud of the fact that she taught each of her grandchildren how to skip. Many of their friends loved visiting Shirley’s home and also called her “Grandma”.
Shirley loved to travel with Harold, family, and friends. They enjoyed winters in TX and AZ. Shirley had an adventurous side, and on one trip she braved a glider ride, and on another she held a stingray in the middle of the ocean.
Shirley’s life was one of love, service, support, and enjoyment of her extended family. She will be greatly missed by those who survive her: children: Susan Greenlee (LeRoy) of Orient, Robert Haag (Gingi) of Orient, and Sheryl Hanson of West Des Moines; grandchildren: Stacy Lenz (Chris), Lindsay Hull (fiancé Peter Sinelli), Lisa Hersant (Casey), Cory Haag (Tiffany), Michael Haag (Gina), Jaclyn Easter (Ken), Megan Scrivner (Steven), Alison Miller (Jon); great-grandchildren: Eliana, Emelia and Olivia Lenz, Haiden and Alexa Hull, Isla and Ivan Hersant, Kayla and Elliot Haag, Michelle Funke, Rowyn and Cleo Easter, Henry, Stella and Charlotte Scrivner, Kenny and Oakley Miller; along with other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services: Will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Orient United Methodist Church with burial in the Greenfield Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the church following the burial. Pastor John Van Nostrand will officiate the service. The Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.
Open Visitation: Will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield.
Family Visitation: The family will greet friends on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Shirley Haag Memorial Fund to be established at a later date.
