Shirlee Ann McDonnell, 81, of Clinton died Sunday, December 10th, 2023 at Cottage Grove Care Center in Cedar Rapids. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday, December 14th at the Pape Funeral Home. A Memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, December 15th at the funeral home. Burial will be in Clinton Lawn Cemetery.
Shirlee was born on January 10th 1942, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, to Mylo and Gertrude (Lutz) Casberg and they later moved to Clinton. Shirlee attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from St. Mary’s High School, Class of 1960. There she met her husband Leon V. McDonnell. They married on a snowy February 17th 1962, in front of 200 friends and family. She worked at Nielsen Coupon Clearing House and on October 31st 1977, Leon and Shirlee opened McDonnell Music. Shirlee was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. She loved having fun with friends, whether she was at card club, bowling, golfing, playing an impressive amount of bingo cards at one time, or socializing on a Friday night at McKinley Street. She was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and was loved by all. Please raise a glass for Shirlee at your next cocktail hour.
Shirlee is survived by her son Joseph (Tina) McDonnell of Bardstown, KY, daughter Susan (Lloyd) Bartels of Marion, IA, and granddaughters Katie (Drew) Buehner of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Danielle McDonnell of Englewood, CO and her sister Donna Carlin of Henderson, NV. She is preceded in death by her parents Mylo and Gertrude (Lutz) Casberg, husband Leon McDonnell in 1988, and son Michael McDonnell in 2020. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
Dear Joe and Susan, I remember your mom and dad and all the great times we had on the river in Clinton. You had wonderful parents and I know losing your mother will tear at your hearts. May the love and laughter she shared with everyone help ease your pain and bring your some comfort.
I can picture you and Shirlee lounging in your chaises at the water’s edge on Coney Island – Fun times. Thanks for the memories.
Aunt Shirlee was so kind and caring. She was such a joy to be around. Please cherish the wonderful memories of your amazing Mom and Granny. Her amazing strength and love of life was passed on to her family. Shirlee’s memory will forever be a guiding light in your life. Sending you all our love and prayers.
Our deepest condolences,
Mark and Sandy