Shirlee Werner

Shirlee Della Penna Werner, age 80, passed away on January 30, 2026, in Faribault, Minnesota. Born on October 20, 1945, in Muscatine, Iowa, Shirlee lived a life marked by dedication to education, youth development, and community service.

A 1964 graduate of Louisa-Muscatine High School, Shirlee was known for her quick wit, her charm, and a smile that could get her out of nearly any trouble. She pursued higher education at Iowa State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics with a focus on Textiles and Clothing in 1968. Her passion for education led her to further her studies at the University of Iowa, where she received a Master of Arts in Teaching in 1992.
Shirlee began her professional journey as a buyer for Von Maur before dedicating nearly 21 years to the Iowa State Extension Office. Her work there left an indelible mark on Louisa County’s youth programs. As a Youth and 4-H leader, Shirlee was deeply committed to making the organization as enriching for young people as it had been for her during her own years in 4-H. Her leadership was marked by creativity and enthusiasm. She often recalled favorite moments from that time, including a memorable trip she chaperoned to Washington, D.C., where the kids stopped at a shop and painted and spiked their hair, and Shirlee joined in, getting her own hair done right alongside them. It was a memory she loved to tell, always with a smile.

Another treasured memory was of a fishing trip where she helped the group make simple poles by winding fishing line around pop cans. Shirlee’s dedication eventually led her to serve as County Director for the Louisa County Extension Office. Though her responsibilities expanded, she never strayed far from her 4-H roots, continuing to support the program with the same passion and care that had always defined her work.
In recognition of her lifelong contributions, Shirlee was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame in 2006. Beyond her work with youth, Shirlee served on the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Louisa County and was an active member of the Langwood Advisory Board under the Louisa County Conservation Board. She also held leadership roles within local 4-H clubs, including the Jolly Workers. Where she served as both a member and a five-year leader of the Watermelon Bunch.

On March 2, 1968, Shirlee married the love of her life, Richard Werner, at Pleasant Grove Bethel Church in Columbus Junction. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and shared passions.
Shirlee found deep joy in the simple pleasures of life — gardening both flowers and vegetables, camping, and trout fishing at Yellow River. She especially cherished her time with her grandchild, Charlie, which brought her the greatest happiness of all. A skilled cook, baker, seamstress, and quilter, Shirlee poured her creativity into everything she did. She enjoyed quilting retreats and conventions, canning seasonal harvests, and long, lively phone calls with friends and family.

In retirement, Shirlee embraced the snowbird lifestyle at Doves Rest in Winter Haven, Florida, where her days began with morning swims and water aerobics, and often ended with hours spent sewing. Her warmth, creativity, and generous spirit touched the lives of all who knew her.

She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Lee Werner (Traci) and Shawn Werner (Kayla), along with her grandchild, Charlie. Shirlee was preceded in death by her husband Richard Werner; her parents Marjorie E. Della Penna and Albert Della Penna; and her brother Mike Della Penna.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 28, at Island Methodist Church in Fruitland, Iowa. A memorial service will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a social gathering and time to visit immediately following until 3:00 p.m. To honor Shirlee’s lifelong support of 4-H and her deep passion for youth development, those wishing to make a memorial donation are invited to contribute in her name to the Louisa County 4-H Foundation.