Shirley J. Sturges

June 19, 2015

Shirley J. Sturges, 79, Mason City, died Friday, June 19, 2015 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at Epiphany Parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 302 5th St. SE, Mason City, Iowa. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Inurnment will be in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Shirley for her favorite charities. Other arrangements are pending at this time. Online condolences may be left at www.fullertonfh.com or Facebook/Fullertonfuneralhome. Shirley Jean was born to Edward and Alice Gutzmer at Wahpeton, North Dakota. Later moving to Rockwell, she graduated with the class of 1954 from the Rockwell High School. She married Gerald E. Sturges on August 23, 1958 at Holy Family Catholic Church. To this union four children were born. She joined the staff of the Cerro Gordo Treasurers office from 1954 until 1965 when she joined with the Cerro Gordo Abstract company. She remained a dedicated manager until her retirement in 2000. During her life she loved to cook for family and friends, take walks, work on ceramic projects, and feeding the many birds and ducks that flocked to her patio. She had an avid interest in politics and would read many books on the subject. In her spare time she enjoyed the History and Comedy channels on TV. Her fondest moments were following the grandchildren in all their events and activities. Shirley’s surviving children are Rick Sturges, Connie and her husband Bob Springer, Tim Sturges, and Marty Sturges all of Mason City, three grandchildren, Jerry Springer of Solon, Iowa, Rob (Rachel) Springer of North Liberty, Iowa, and Whitney Springer of Iowa City, Iowa, two sisters, Patsy Ricker and Rita Heacock both of California, one brother Edward (Marge) Gutzmer Jr., Sister and brother-in-law Patti (Don) Gealow, Mason City and several nieces and nephews. Her parents, husband Gerald in 1972, one infant brother, and two sisters, Verla Hopper and Karen Coleman preceded her in death. Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 2nd St SE, Mason City, IA 50401, 641-423-8676 for full obituary and picture see www.Fullertonfh.com or Facebook/Fullertonfuneralhome