Shirley Mae (Gill) Fangman

Shirley M. Fangman, age 95, of Glenwood, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Monday, April 29, 2024. A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 20th at 11:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glenwood with Fr. Joe Vandeberg officiating. Visitation will be at the church, one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Glenwood. Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.

Shirley Mae Fangman was born on December 15, 1928, in Rolfe, Iowa.  Shirley was the cherished daughter of Henry and Daisy (Hahn) Gill and the youngest sibling to her two brothers, Gene and Robert. Her early years were spent on the family farm, where she developed a strong work ethic and a love for the simple joys of rural life. She attended country school in Des Moines Township and graduated from Rolfe High School in the spring of 1948. 

Shirley's heart found its match when she married Harold Fangman on September 27, 1948, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft, Iowa. Their union was blessed with love, laughter, and a legacy of family that would be her greatest pride. Shirley and Harold began their married life on a farm near Bancroft, then a farm in Rolfe, Iowa before settling on their farm near Glenwood in 1977. Shirley's devotion to her husband was unwavering; they shared 69 years of marriage before Harold died on February 9, 2018.

Shirley was a loving homemaker when her children were in growing up. Later in life, she dedicated many years to housekeeping at the Glenwood Retirement Village, where she was not only a diligent worker but also a friend to many with her warm and welcoming spirit. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where she belonged to the Christian Mothers and quilting group. She was a proud member of the Legion Auxiliary.

Beyond her community involvement, Shirley's interests were a reflection of her love for her family and nature. She was an avid gardener, nurturing both her crops and her flowers with tender care. Her skills in canning, quilting, and sewing were not only practical but also a means of expressing her creativity and love. Shirley passed these skills on to her daughters, ensuring that her legacy of craftsmanship and self-sufficiency would continue through the generations.

Those who knew Shirley will remember her for her exceptional culinary skills, her ability to create a delicious meal from the simplest ingredients, and her talent for baking the most delectable cakes and cookies. She was renowned as the World's Best Mom, celebrated for her hard work, great cooking, boundless patience, and profound wisdom. Her advice was always sought after, for she had a knack for saying just the right thing at the right time. Shirley died at home surrounded by her family on April 29, 2024.

A dedicated mother, Shirley is survived by her loving children: Charles "Chuck" (Jackie) Fangman of Sedan, Diane (Dan) Cole of Kansas City, MO, Ruth (Miles) Thiel of Glenwood, Joanne Vansickel of Rolfe, Iowa; and foster son, Bob Siefried of Cheyenne, WY. She was a beacon of love and guidance to her 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Harold and two brothers, Gene and Robert.

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