Shirley Ann Liesener

Shirley A. Liesener was born on October 3, 1935 in Garner, Iowa, to Norman and Anna (Schmidt) Liesener.  She was baptized into the Christian faith at St. John Lutheran Church, rural Garner, Iowa, on October 27, 1935, and was confirmed in this faith at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Ventura, Iowa, on April 10, 1949.  She was raised by loving parents who first taught her about the love of Jesus.

Shirley graduated from Ventura, Iowa High School in 1953 and from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa in 1957 with a degree in mathematics.  She began work at General Electric Co. in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1957 as a computer software analyst, writing programs that supported the design of jet engines.  In 1967 she began work for Control Data Corporation in Minneapolis, first as a software analyst and eventually managing a group of 50 computer analysts and engineers.  As project assignments changed, so did her address.  During those years she lived in Minneapolis, New York City, Oklahoma City, St. Paul, and Kansas City.  In 1990 God led her to her best and final career as director of development operations and annual giving at Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska, until her retirement in 2007.

Shirley’s biggest passion in life was the stewardship of first-fruits giving, providing her a sense of purpose in God’s kingdom.  Her personal life mission statement reads, “To communicate the joys and blessings of first-fruits giving in a way that conveys the rich spiritual blessings that come from giving, transforming lives and giving glory to God.”  In that regard she served on Stewardship Boards at three congregations for a total of 32 years, and was board chair for 14 years.  Other church activities include singing in choirs, teaching Sunday School and teaching the Bethel Bible Series.  At St. John in Seward she was congregational secretary for 15 years, and co-editor of the monthly newsletter for ten years. 

She also served on the Seward County Relay for Life Committee, Nebraska Lutherans for Life Committee, was data base manager of the Seward County Legacy Fund, and was on the board of directors of Compass Finances God’s Way, Nebraska. One of life’s enjoyments was playing bridge, and the many friends made in that way.

Shirley entered rest everlasting on June 17, 2024. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Anna Liesener; sister, Joanne Petersen; and one nephew, Brian Petersen.  She is survived by her brother, Norman (Marcia) Liesener, Payson, Arizona; four nieces and nephews.

If you are unable to attend the service we invite you to worship with us via livestream on YouTube at "St. John Seward Livestream". 

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