Shirdelle L (Gierhan) Mueller

Shirdelle Mueller (Gierhan), a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, at the age of 84. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and a warm, caring spirit that touched all who knew her. Shirdelle was born on April 11, 1941, in Seward, Nebraska, to Frederick and Esther Gierhan. She was baptized on April 27, 1941, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 5 miles north of Utica, Nebraska, and was confirmed in the same church on April 11, 1954. Shirdelle graduated from Utica High School in 1958 and went on to work at Security Mutual in Lincoln for three years before moving to Columbus, where she worked at Montgomery Ward and later as a bookkeeper for Mueller and Schoepf Drywall and managing rental properties. But her most cherished role was that of a stay-at-home mom, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to the care and nurturing of her family. On October 1, 1961, Shirdelle married Harvey Mueller, and together they built a loving home and raised four children—Sonya, Shawn, Stacey, and Shannon. As a mother, Shirdelle's heart was full of love and devotion, and she was known for her big smile, warm presence, and her ability to make anyone feel welcomed and cherished. In addition to her roles as wife and mother, Shirdelle was an active member of her church and community. She sang in the Immanuel Lutheran Church Adult Choir, was a long-time member of the Loyal Club, and enjoyed participating in the Modernetts. For 21 years, Shirdelle also participated in a local bowling league, where her cheerful personality and spirit of camaraderie made her a beloved member of the team. She was well known for her cooking with onions earning her the affectionate nickname of "The Onion Queen." Shirdelle had a deep love for life, and she was often the “Social Director” of the family, organizing gatherings, trips, and activities that brought everyone together. She was passionate about Nebraska volleyball & football, collecting rocks from her travels, sewing, knitting, and camping, finding joy in both simple pleasures and making lasting memories with her loved ones. Shirdelle is survived by her husband, Harvey of Granbury, TX, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were her pride and joy: Children: Sonya (Ken) Stryczek of Barrington, IL; Shawn (Julie) Mueller of Papillion, NE; Stacey (Michael) Meyer of Bella Vista, AR; and Shannon (Nicole) Mueller of Granbury, TX. Grandchildren: Jessica Mueller (Mattais Reyes), Shane (Laurel) Mueller, Joseph Mueller, Sarah Mueller, Brianna (Luke) Hale, Courtney Meyer, Zachary Stryczek (Danielle Russel), Caleb (Jaedyn) Meyer, Brock Mueller, Colton Meyer, Alexa Mueller, Clayton Meyer, Cooper Meyer. Great-Grandchildren: Theodore Mueller, Beckett Meyer. She is also survived by her siblings: Ron (Sharon) Gierhan, Curt (Doris) Gierhan, Glenda (David) Dobbertein, Stan (Diane) Gierhan, Elaine Mueller, Wayne Mueller, Ronnie (Joanne) Mueller, and many beloved in-laws and nieces and nephews. Shirdelle was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Esther Gierhan, parents-in-law, Edwin and Sophie Mueller, and several in-laws: Lyle Mueller, Orin Mueller, Eldon & Carol Mueller, Leora & Deroyce Volzke, and Diana Mueller. Throughout her life, Shirdelle embodied the Christian virtues of love, kindness, and faith. She was a dedicated member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus, Nebraska, where she lived out her faith daily. She touched the lives of all who knew her with her gentle heart, her generous spirit, and her unwavering faith in God.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Shirdelle’s memory to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Rogers, AR or a charity of your choice.

LIVESTREAM - https://www.youtube.com/c/StJohnSeward

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirdelle L (Gierhan) Mueller, please visit our floral store.