The world lost one of the good ones this week. Shirley Maiers, 84, of Dubuque, died Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the Grand Meadows in Asbury.

A doer and a socializer, Shirley loved surrounding herself with people, whether that was hosting the family for holidays and special events, organizing card games or golf trips with friends, or donating her time to people in need through her service to the church and the many other charities she selflessly supported. A series of challenges and tragedies during her life taught her the importance of perseverance, resolve, and most of all, a strong connection to family—traits which she instilled in her children and exhibited in everything she did, even at the very end. 

Shirley was born April 4, 1940, in Iowa City, IA, the daughter of Frank McPoland and Bernadette Hall. She married Donald Anstoetter On September 30, 1961. Don passed away on November 26, 1973, and Shirley subsequently married Cletus “Clete” E. Maiers on July 22, 1977. Clete passed away on August 25, 2018. 

Shirley was a homemaker while her family was young. After Don’s passing, she graduated from Capri College of Cosmetology and opened and operated her own salon, Headhunters. She also worked as a lunch lady for Dubuque Community Schools and a teller for U.S. Bank.

Shirley was a devoted member of the Church of the Resurrection, where she volunteered as a greeter and helped serve funeral meals. Her faith, friends, and family were very important to her. She dedicated much of her time to volunteering, including 30 years with Hospice of Dubuque, serving Wednesday meals at St. Patrick’s, Maria House, Right to Life, Bernadette Circle, ushering at Grand Theatre, and helping with St. Vincent de Paul. An avid card player, she especially enjoyed Poker, Hand and Foot, Euchre, Bridge, and many other games, often playing up to four days a week. She liked to golf, travel, and camp. She loved dining out, especially for breakfast.

Survivors include four children, Brian (Nancy) Anstoetter of West Des Moines, and their children: Ben (Holly Hildreth), Joe, and Jack; Brenda (Mark) Ehlers of Dubuque, and their children: Matt (Bree) and their children, Olive, Maelin, and Ettason, Connor (Mary) and their child, Tilly, and Katie (Chase Bushaw); Brad (Laura) Anstoetter of Walker, IA, and their children: Andrew (Anna Swanson) and Jack; Eric (Kristy) Maiers of Elmhurst, IL, and their children: Norah and Sadie; one sister, Margaret “Ginny” Schiel of Dubuque; and several sisters- and brothers-in-law.

Besides her two husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Sam McPoland, five sisters, Theresa, Eileen, Mary, Betty, and Lois, and many brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm Sunday, June 2, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory. The Mass of Christian Burial for Shirley will be 10:30 am Monday, June 3, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque.

The family thanks Dr. Konz and her nurse, Cherie, the staff and nurses at Grand Meadows and Hospice of Dubuque for caring for Shirley. The family also thanks Deacon Mike Ellis and Shirley’s many friends who offered their prayers and support over the years.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Shirley’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.