Shirley Ann Dunlap

1947 - 2025

Shirley Ann Dunlap

April 21, 1947 - September 16, 2025

Shirley Dunlap, 78, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at the Cedar Valley Hospice House in Waterloo, Iowa. She spent her final days surrounded by the love of family and dear friends.

Shirley was born on April 21, 1947, in Cherokee, Iowa, to William and Etta Caldwell. She grew up on the family farm, where she learned the value of hard work and responsibility. After graduating from Sutherland High School in 1965, she followed her calling into nursing, graduating from Methodist School of Nursing in Sioux City.

For Shirley, nursing was far more than a profession-it was her true calling. Over the course of nearly fifty years, culminating in her retirement in 2012, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to both patient care and the hospital community. Her compassion and dedication touched countless lives as she served in the ICU, Rehab Unit, Pre-Admission Testing, PACU, Ambulatory Surgery, and the Outpatient Clinic. As a nurse manager, Shirley was a respected and trusted leader, admired by nurses, physicians, and staff alike.

Beyond her clinical work, Shirley extended her impact through nearly three decades of service on the MercyOne Foundation Board of Trustees. Her contributions helped shape the future of healthcare in our local communities, reflecting her deep belief in service and stewardship.

On May 4, 1973, Shirley married Dan Dunlap, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Sioux City. Together they shared 52 years, creating many memories and traditions while raising two wonderful sons.

Shirley's happiest moments were often the simplest ones-summer trips to Okoboji, casting a line while fishing, tending to her flowers, watching the Hawkeyes and Cyclones, reading a good book, and enjoying a Coke and Hershey's bar. Most of all, she cherished time with her four grandsons, who lit up her world and whom she delighted in spoiling.

She is survived by her husband, Dan; her sons, Michael (Taryn) Dunlap of Orion, IL, and Adam (Nacole Lamoureux) Dunlap of Ankeny, IA; her four grandsons, Ben, Will, Luke, and Leo; her brothers, Larry (Carolyn) Caldwell of Stillwater, OK, and Brian (Lisa) Caldwell of Mapleton, MN; and her lifelong friend, Judy Chase of Waterloo, IA.

Shirley was welcomed into heaven by her parents, William "Bill" and Etta Caldwell, and her younger sister, Karen.

Celebration of Life - 11:00 a.m. October 18th at Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service on West Ridgeway. Public visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, Shirley's family invites memorials to be made to the MercyOne Foundation of Waterloo/Cedar Falls, or to the Preserve Our Park Fund at Arnold's Park, a place she dearly loved.

Online condolences may be left at www.hagartywaychoffgrarup.com.