Shirley M. Chodur, 92 of Mason City and formerly of Kensett, passed away peacefully Saturday, August 31, 2024 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center after a sudden illness.
Services will be 11am Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Bethany Lutheran, 600 5th Street, Kensett, with Pastor Linda Johnson Prestholt officiating. She will be laid to rest at Kensett Cemetery.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Shirley Mae Slattum was born July 11, 1932 near Bristol Township, IA, the daughter of Clarence Gerhard and Lily Alma (Wogen) Slattum. She attended country school near Joice, later continuing her education at Waldorf College for two years. She worked in local dentist offices as a secretary for many years. On March 21, 1953 she married the love of her life, Kenneth Eugene Chodur at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Joice. This union was blessed with seven children: Mary, Randall, Allan, Robert, Laurie, Kristy and Mark. The family made either home in Worth County where they farmed most of their lives.In her final year at Kentucky Ridge Assisted Living, she found joy in the community, the activities, and the friends she made.
Shirley had a heart as big and bountiful as her garden, always making sure no one left her home hungry. Whether she was preparing a meal from scratch or pulling fresh vegetables from her garden, her kitchen was always a warm and welcoming place. A dedicated farm wife, Shirley never shied away from the hard work that needed to be done, tending to both the land and her family with equal care. Fishing trips up north with her family were cherished moments, and she was as skilled with a fishing pole as she was with a good book in her hand, never turning down the chance to get lost in a story. Shirley’s faith was the steady compass of her life. From her childhood days, she was deeply rooted in her church and prayer, to this day ensuring each of her children and grandchildren was included in her nightly prayers. Her unwavering devotion extended to her husband, Kenneth, and their family, who were the true joy of her life. Whether it was a birthday, holiday or a simple family dinner, Shirley glowed when she was surrounded by those she loved.
Those left to cherish his memory are her children, Robert (Bev) Chodur of Kensett, Laurie (Gary) Olson of Albert Lea, MN, Kristy (Tom) Ethington of Mason City, and Mark Chodur of Kensett; grandchildren, Dustin (Krystal) Lennie, Kim (Shawn) Thompson, Brent (Taylor Lockyer) Ethington, Matthew (Corbyn) Olson, Cory Chodur, Brian Chodur, and Julie (Jackson) Frydenlund; great-grandchildren, Dean, AnneMarie, Rowan, Kate, Caleb, Genny, Addie, Remi , Brekken, Crawford and Luca; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; children, Mary, Randall, and Allan Chodur; granddaughter, Carey Lennie; her brothers and sisters, Darrell, Richard, Cecil, Verna and Norma.
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