Shirley Ann (Adams) Fuerst, 90, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on September 23, 2023, at home surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday September 28, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church with Father Steven Garner. Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday September 27, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Shirley was born on July 22, 1933, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Charles Francis and Catherine Mary (Wilhelm) Adams. She was a resident of Dubuque her entire life, attending St. Mary’s grade school, two years at Immaculate Conception Academy, and two years at Dubuque Senior High School. She worked at Dubuque Stamp and Dubuque Packing Company and later nannied for several years. Shirley loved gardening, putting together puzzles, baking, and she especially loved gingerbread.

Those left to cherish Shirley’s memory are her children Richard Fuerst, Ronald Fuerst, Robert, Fuerst, Randall Fuerst, and Robin (Francis) Chaffee, grandchildren Emily and Courtney (Jay Futch) Chaffee and Anthony Fuerst, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard Fuerst in March  1984, and three brothers Eldon (Rose) Adams, Merlin (Sally) Adams, and Charles (Rose Mary “Tiny”) Adams along with three nephews.

Thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Nicole, Buffy and Hayle.

In lieu of flowers, a Shirley Ann Fuerst Memorial Fund has been established.