Elgene Shea
February 13, 2011
Elgene Gonnerman Shea, 74, of Des Moines, died Sunday, February 13, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.
Hazel Elgene Kurtz Gonnerman Shea was born on December 6, 1936, the daughter of Floyd and Hazel (Anderson) Kurtz, in Waterloo, IA. She attended schools in Waterloo and Mason City, IA. In 1953, as a junior, Elgene was selected as the All-State soprano soloist for the Iowa All-State Chorus. The Iowa All State Concert was held at the old KRNT Theater under the direction of Weston Noble (former Luther College Choir director).
After graduating from Mason City High School in 1955, Elgene attended Drake University graduating in 1959 with majors in church music, voice, and piano. She was a member of the Delta Zeta and Mu Phi Epsilon Sororities. In 1957, while still in college, she married David Gonnerman, a teacher at Roosevelt High School. They had two children, Eric and Pam. She sang in the “mid-America Chorale” in Des Moines. In 1967 the family moved to Cedar Rapids, IA where David became head of the Kirkwood Community College Social Science Department. David died in 1970.
Throughout the years Elgene directed church choirs in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. She taught voice and piano lessons and was an inspiration to her students. She received her Master’s Degree in Vocal Music from the University of Iowa in 1973. She taught music and directed the Kirkwood Community College choir and was a former member of the Cedar Rapids Library Board and Beethoven Club.
Elgene and Timothy Shea were married December 28, 1974. In addition to Eric and Pam, they had two daughters, Clancy and Meaghan. Elgene loved her family and friends and they adored her. Her seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. Elgene was involved in many area clubs and organizations. She was instrumental in co-creating the Easter Seals of Iowa Stroke Club and wrote for its newsletter. She was a proud and active member of the Daughters of Norway, the Iowa Democratic Party and she lived by the wisdom she found in over 32 years in Al-Anon.
Those left to cherish her memory are husband, Tim (TJ); two daughters: PamVislisel and husband, Tim, of Central City, IA; Meaghan Shea-Evans and husband, Cal, Logan, IA. Elgene is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Joe Vislisel, Central City, IA; Daniel Vislisel (Kim), San Diego, CA; Cassidy Vislisel, Cedar Falls; and Timmy Vislisel, Central City, IA; Koleson, Rylee, and Kaitlyn Evans, Logan, IA; three great-grandchildren, Angel, Julian, and Titus Vislisel, Cedar Rapids, IA.; one sister, Jo Stensaas (Don), Boise, ID; and one brother, Marty Kurtz (Sarah), Davenport, IA; and many loving relatives: Uncle LeRoy and Aunt Marilyn Anderson, Sun City, AZ; cousins, nieces and nephews in Iowa, Minnesota, Alaska, Florida, Oregon, Idaho, and Texas. Lifelong friends Florence Buhr of Des Moines, Sarann Slattery of St. Paul, Dee Collins of Virginia, Margaret Grant of Anamosa and Kae Coppock of Des Moines and many other friends, new and old.
Elgene was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Clancy Shea; and a son Eric Gonnerman.
A visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 PM Friday evening at Hamilton Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM at the First Unitarian Church, 1800 Bell Avenue.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Larry and Chris VanLerberghe
02/21/2011
Marty and Family - Our deepest sympathy for your loss. We know how hard it is to lose a special loved one. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Tim Hoffman
02/18/2011
I'm so sorry for your loss, TJ - the love betweeen you and Elgene was so obvious. I hope you and your family will remember the best times and know that she is always with you.
Jean Scott
02/17/2011
TJ, Meaghan, and family. I was so sorry to hear about Elgene's illness and passing. I know your lives, for now, have a big loss, but hold on to all the beautiful memories that you have made with her. She was a beautiful women. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Always,
Jean
Mike and Mary Cullen
02/17/2011
Dear Marty and family,
We extend our sincere sympathy to all of you. We understand what a loving, giving person Elgene was to you and to all others. We wish you peace in this time of sorrow and hope your friends and family will provide the support you will need to help you heal from your loss.
Sincerely, Mike and Mary Cullen
Mary Hackett Ernst
02/17/2011
Pam,
I am so sorry to read of your mother's death.
I have often wondered about you. I was your third grade teacher at Pierce. I have something I would like to send you. When you have the time, would you please send me your address? My email is mernst@marion.k12.ia.us.
Thank you.
Mary Hackett Ernst
Michael Daly
02/17/2011
I was a student of Elgene's in 1970 - 1973 at Kirkwood Community College
She not only taught me lessons in music but that I have used throughout my life but also showed me lessons in patience and care.
Her energetic and joyful spirit helped nuture the beginnings of Kirkwood's successful music department.
I will always have a fond memory of those years.
Sincerely
Mike Daly
Harry and Marlys Weaver
02/17/2011
So sorry to hear about your sister Marty, Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Ruth Main Soenksen
02/16/2011
I was sorry to learn of Elgene's passing. I was fortunate to be in her women's community chorus at Kirkwood. Such a talented lady! I learned so much from her and Charlie Traylor.
Jerry and Darlene Neff
02/16/2011
Marty, We were saddened to hear the news about your sister Elgene. She was such a marvelous person who had a most difficult life. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this trying time.
Dr. Julius O. Koefoed, Jr. & Jean Krogman
02/16/2011
Dear Tim and family - It is with deep regret that we heard of the passing of Elgene. You both have been in my thoughts, often, through the years since you moved away from Cedar Rapids. From reading the obituary and stories we havew heard, it sounds as though you had a good life together over in the middle of the state. Miss you both, and send our condolences. - Jules
Barb Hansen
02/16/2011
Marty
I want to express my sympathy to you and all of your family. It sounds like your sister was a wonderful person and I am sure she will be sorely missed by all of you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Barb
Barbara Paxton Try
02/16/2011
My thoughts are with Elgene's family at this time. I had the good fortune to go through jr high, high school and college with her. I also was honored to be her accompanist for her senior recital at Drake. Although music was a great part of our friendship, Elgene was much more. She was a caring friend and was fun and thoughtful and always looking on the bright side. I know that her family was so dear to her and boosted her strength and determination to live life to the fullest. I will remember her with great respect and admiration, and as my friend.
Barb
Terry Finley Biddinger
02/16/2011
My sincere condolences to Elgene's family in their sorrow and loss. Elgene and I were fast friends during our school days in Mason City. I remember riding in her dad's potato chip truck to deliver potato chips to stores in Hampton. We would get all dressed up and have a fine time. There are many other memories but this is the most vivid in addition, of course, to having had the opportunity to hear hear magnificent voice.
Fondly,
Terry Biddinger
Lori Allen
02/16/2011
My sincere and deepest sympathies to Elgene's family. Elgene was an extremely talented musician and and wonderful person. May memories of her long remain in our hearts.
Dara Jones Miller
02/16/2011
While many years have gone by, as a student I remember Elgene singing in Mason City...maybe in All State qualification sessions. I was not a close friend only someone that was touched by her grace and voice and have never forgotten her. A couple years ago, Adrian Ringold who knew her in Mason City also, wanted to know if I knew where she was. I recalled seeing Eric's obituary and was able to let him know she was in Des Moines. He also remembered her gift of music. I'm sure we are two of many. Please accept my sympathy in her passing and thankfulness for her being among us.