Shirley Elaine Arensdorf, age 89, of Tryon, Nebraska, died December 15, 2020 at Great Plains Health, North Platte, Nebraska. She was born November 09, 1931 to John and Blendena (Cummings) Gest in Burr Oak, Michigan. She graduated from Burr Oak High School in Michigan and worked in a factory in Sturgis, Michigan. Shirley served in the United States Navy from November 1951 through April 1955. While in the Navy she met Harold Arensdorf and they were married March 19, 1955 in Astoria, Oregon. After their discharges from the Navy, the couple returned to Nebraska and lived in McPherson County most of their lives.
She was an avid gardener, great cook, especially her pies, bread and popcorn balls. She was very welcoming and nobody left her house hungry.
She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and attending their events. They enjoyed fishing, camping, playing cards and arrowhead hunting with her family. Shirley and Harold were on the Tryon Sandhiller’s Bowling league for several years.
Shirley served on the ESU 16 board for many years and was active in American Legion Auxiliary for 42 years.
Survivors include her husband; Harold of Tryon, Nebraska, 4 children; Kathy (Randy) Fisher, Tryon, Nebraska, Gary (Pam) Arensdorf, Wellflett, Nebraska, John (Lucy) Arensdorf, Ogallala, Nebraska, Blendena “Dee” (Russ) Temple, Colome, South Dakota, 10 grandchildren; Melissa (Cory) Wacker, Vail, Arizona, Chad (Julie) Fisher, Tryon, Nebraska, Adam (Amy) Arensdorf, St. Francis, Kansas, Nicola (Derrick) Hansen, Maywood, Nebraska, Kadee (Jo) Ditloff, Bradshaw, Nebraska, Paul Temple, Mandan, North Dakota, Sophia Arensdorf, Ogallala, Nebraska, Carrie Brown, Ogallala, Nebraska, Kenny (Nicole) Brown, Kearney, Nebraska, Laura Brown, North Platte, Nebraska, 11 great-grandchildren; Adrian, Chandler, Olivia, Zander, Michael, Axel, A.J., Shawn, Braylon, Brooklynn, and Jackson, 1 brother; Lynn (Gloria) Gest, White Pigeon, Michigan and numerous other family and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents; John and Blendena Gest, sisters; Jackie (Fred) Bower, Bobbie (Bob) Miller, Jo (Bud) Baldwin, Sandy Coker, Sally (Steve) Coker, Donivee Gest.
Memorials are suggested to the Tryon Volunteer Fire and Rescue or the American Legion Auxiliary #189.
Online condolences can be shared at www.adamsswanson.com
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at the Tryon United Methodist Church, Tryon, Nebraska at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor InSung Kim officiating. Visitation will be Monday, December 21, 2020 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Tryon United Methodist Church, Tryon, Nebraska. Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Services will be livestreamed on the Adams & Swanson Facebook page for those who are not able to attend.
CDC Covid 19 guidelines will be respected and therefore social distancing and wearing a mask are required.