Shirley Bretthauer

Shirley E. Bretthauer, 84, peacefully passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Northbrook Healthcare in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, surrounded by her loving family. Visitation will be held at Faith Life Church in Marion, Iowa, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Alice Murray. The funeral service will be live-streamed and can be accessed at Faith-Life.org under the 'Watch Live' tab.
Graveside committal at Cedar Memorial will commence at 1:30 p.m. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend.
Shirley was born on July 12, 1940, in La Porte City, Iowa. She was the daughter of John and Betty Losenicky. She graduated from Marion High School. She married Kenny Miller and had two children, Mark and Lorey. In 1964, she married Wilbur (Brett) Bretthauer, adding his three children to create a large, blended family. While raising their family, she held several secretarial positions and was secretary to Pastor Larson at the church. Music was very important to her; she sang in the church choir for many years and played the organ. In 2001, she retired from her position as Executive Secretary at Rockwell Collins.
Following retirement, she thoroughly enjoyed the spring and summers tending to her flower gardens. Many cherished memories were created around their swimming pool during gatherings, including pizza, refreshments, and Fourth of July celebrations. Mark always had to climb on the gazebo and do his famous jump. Her love of travel took them to Hawaii approximately eight times. On a couple of occasions, they took fourteen family members, including children and grandchildren. The grandchildren fondly anticipated their trips to Hawaii, sometimes inquiring if it was an annual tradition. Since Eric, Vicky, and Erin lived in Hawaii, it also provided an opportunity for their mother and father to visit them. One year, over the Christmas and New Year's holidays, they rented a large house in Orlando, Florida, and again paid for many family members, including those in Hawaii.
They embarked on numerous cruises and experienced many parts of the U.S. and Europe. A Baltic cruise was among their favorite travel experiences. In 2015, their flower gardens and swimming pool provided a beautiful backdrop for Jake and Lorey's wedding on the Fourth of July. During the fall and winter months, she often enjoyed visits while knitting with an afghan on her lap. She was also involved with the prayer shawl ministry at church. Her annual Christmas tradition involved preparing a Czech meal of pork roast, knedliky, and zali. Her children and grandchildren will continue this tradition in the years to come.
Shirley is survived by her husband Brett, son Mark (Julie), daughter Lorey (Jake), son Eric (Vicky), daughter Erin (Cal), and daughter-in-law Beth. Her grandchildren are Andy, Alicia (Josh), Adam (Meghan), Ryan, Jordan, Erin (Ethan), Shawn Michael, Angel, and Grace. Her great-grandchildren are Ellie, Landon, Cale, and Fletcher. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Elizabeth, a brother-in-law Robert, a brother John, and her son, Shawn.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Northbrook Healthcare and Hospice of Mercy for their compassionate care during Shirley's final days. The family also appreciates the love and support received from their family and friends.
Memorial contributions may be directed in Shirley's name to Faith Life Church, 8300 C Ave, Marion, IA 52302.