Shirley A Boigenzahn
Shirley Anne Boigenzahn, 88, of Durand died Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.
Shirley was born July 13, 1935, on the family farm in Cleghorn Wis. She was the daughter of Fred R. and Margaret (Brunner) Bauer. Shirley grew up in Durand and graduated from Lima Holy Rosary Catholic School in 1953 where she excelled in academics and music, graduating valedictorian. After high school she worked and lived in Minneapolis and Portland, exploring new experiences and enjoying life. She returned to Durand and married Francis (Fran) Boigenzahn on June 14, 1958 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Lima. Together they raised two sons. Shirley retired as an executive assistant in 1990 and moved to a small farm in the town of Peru, rural Durand. Together with Fran they raised animals, had large and wonderful gardens and traveled throughout the United States visiting family.
Shirley loved her family and stayed close with her brothers, sisters, aunts and sons throughout her life. She was an especially proud and adoring grandmother and great grandmother; very generous and kind. Shirley was a women of many talents; an exceptional gardener, prolific painter, avid card player, seamstress and made many beautiful crafts which she sold or gave away at her Craft Barn at the farm. She loved playing the piano and often played for her friends at the Home Place in Durand. Shirley moved into the city of Durand in September 2011 where she remained the majority of the rest of her life.
Shirley is survived by her two sons, Jim (Lori) of Winona, Jeff (Gail) of Durand, four grandchildren, Lindsey (Jason), Kelsey, Sawyer and Hayley; two great grandsons, Connor and Parker; three brothers, Marvin (Glenda) of Durand, Dennis (Diane) of Gallatin Gateway, MT and Richard (Estella) of Durand, two sisters, Beverly (Roger) Forster of Littleton, CO, and Sharon (Jerry) Como, of Pendleton, OR, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 53 years, Fran; and one brother, Loren Bauer.
Memorial Services will be 4:00PM Friday, January 26, 2024 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand with Rev. John Zweber officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Cemetery in Mondovi at a later date. Visitation will be from 3:00PM until the time of services at the funeral home on Friday, January 26, 2024. A Celebration of Life will follow from 5:00PM-7:00PM at the Corral Bar & Grill Orton Room in Durand.
Memorial’s may be made in Shirley’s name to the Durand Public Library.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.