Shirley Anne Scheller

Shirley Anne Scheller, née McGrath, was born on August 12, 1936, in Dubuque, Iowa. She was a loving wife and doting mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Guided by her deep faith and surrounded by family, Shirley entered into eternal rest on December 9, 2025, at the age of 89 in Geneva, Illinois.
Shirley married the love of her life, Merlin A. Scheller, on September 10, 1960. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised a wonderful family, rooted in their shared love for God and family. She is carried in the hearts of her beloved husband, Merlin, and their three children: Scott A. (Amanda "Amy") Scheller, Steven A. (fiancé Wendy H. Daly) Scheller, Stacey A. (Clete) Rettenmeier.
Additionally, those left to cherish her memory include her five grandchildren: Mariah (Ron) Picarsic, Meghan (Ryan) Buchanan, Liam Rettenmeier, Mallory (fiancée Jeffrey Robson) Rettenmeier, and Timothy Scheller; her five great-grandchildren: Meredith, Elliot, and Isaac Buchanan, Reese and Ryder Picarsic; her siblings: Lloyd McGrath, Rosemary (Tom) Remakel, and Mary Sue (Dave) Leifker; Goddaughters: Teri Becker, Angela Hatch, Kimberly Leifker, Lynn Gerardy, Kristina Koch, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many other extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Frances née Bahl McGrath, and her siblings and loved ones, Andrew McGrath, Sharon and John Koch, Ann McGrath, Judy and Ambrose Scheller, Janet Scattarelli, Katie Remakel, Katianne Lierman, and Goddaughter Lynn Scheller.
Shirley modeled a life of steadfast faith, servitude, and thoughtfulness. After working in the deli and bakery at Roshek's Department Store and before marrying, she treasured assisting Archbishop Leo Binz at the Archdiocese of Dubuque Chancery. She was a dedicated member of St. Joseph the Worker in Dubuque, IA and Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Aurora, IL and a dependable prayer warrior with a special devotion to praying the Rosary, which provided her comfort and peace. Her faith shaped how she treated everyone she met, and those who knew her well often found a second home in her company. She held a special place in her heart for many people, including her daughter's friends who became honorary daughters, waitresses and waiters, and caregivers who have taken great care of her. She cherished every moment spent with loved ones and had a heart big enough to earn the title of "mom" from others.
Shirley's thoughtfulness was evident through the cards she sent to family and friends for their special days. She readily welcomed others into her home with open arms, offering whatever they needed-rest, a meal, a sweet treat, a listening ear, or a friendly game. Visits always included signing the guestbook and her undivided attention. Her love for others was evident whether she was with her TOPS Club or playing cards with her Moose friends, attending plays and musicals, or supporting her grandchildren at band concerts, sports games, and award ceremonies. She enjoyed dining out at restaurants, doing crossword puzzles, embroidery, reading, and playing Canasta, Scrabble, Upword, and Skip-Bo. She found great joy in traveling with her husband and family, creating irreplaceable memories together in Ireland, Alaska, Hawaii, Florida, and Branson, Missouri.
Her kindness, warmth, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Shirley's family and friends will gather for visitation on Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 12:00 – 4:00 P.M. at the Dunn Family Funeral Home with Crematory, 1801 South Douglas Road, Oswego, Illinois 60543. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 620 Fifth Street, Aurora, Illinois 60505. Burial will be Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 12 noon at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1111 Davis Street in Dubuque, Iowa. Donations can be made in her name to Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church.
For additional information 630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com