Shirlie Katzenberger
May 14, 1939 — November 22, 2023
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Service Details
Shirlie Katzenberger entered this beautiful world in Des Moines, IA on May 14, 1939. She attended North High School where she was an assistant art editor for the Polar Bear Yearbook. Graduating with the class of 1957, she then went on to graduate in 1961 from Drake University’s College of Fine Arts and continued her art education at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu.
Shirlie returned to Des Moines where she was employed by the Promotion Department at the Des Moines Register and Tribune. While there, she promoted the company through her beautiful illustrations, design selection, photo direction and production of advertisements. In addition, Shirlie taught evening Graphic Design classes at Drake University during the 70’s and 80’s. From 1972-73, she was elected the first female president of the Art Directors Association of Iowa and in 1974, Shirlie joined the team of the new Des Moines Metro Opera. For over a decade, she created stunning designs which adorned the Opera’s programs and advertisements in multiple formats, eventually earning her place as an Honorary Board Member.
Through her artistic ability, Shirlie became the Creative Director at the R&T and after 25 years at the Register, she chased her lifelong dream and moved back to the island of Oahu, Hawaii in January 1988. She was employed as the Creative Director at the Hawaii Newspaper agency that serviced both the Honolulu Star Advertiser and the Honolulu Bulletin. She also taught Graphic Design classes at the University of Hawaii’s Department of Art and Art History. Shirlie retired in 2005 but never lost her desire to design for others. During her free time, Shirlie loved spending afternoons on the beach, sharing an iced tea under the banyan trees, watching sunsets off her lanai and being a personal tour guide to visiting family and friends.
In April of 2022, Shirlie moved back to Des Moines to be near her loved ones. On Wednesday, November 22, 2023, heaven gained another angel in the morning’s early hours.
Shirlie was the youngest of five children of Floyde and Marie (Rogers) Katzenberger. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings June Olson (Curt), Rose Marie Hays Young (Jim), Faye Katzenberger (Peggy) and nephew Michael Hays. Shirlie is survived by one sister Bonnie Bower (Galen), 10 nieces and nephews several great- and great-great nieces and nephews, as well many, many friends.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the caring team at Wesley Acres, John’s Harbor unit as well as the compassionate care Shirlie received from the WesleyLife Hospice staff.
Visitation is Thurs., Nov 30th at 11:00 a.m. with services at 12:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens.
Memorials may be made to the family in loving memory of Shirlie Katzenberger.
“The world really is a beautiful place if you would just take a few moments to look at the little things.” S. Katzenberger 2023
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Diane Glass
11/29/2023
Shirlie inspired me with her art, her creativity, her playfulness, and especially with her warmth. We were colleagues at the Register in the Promotion Department. Shirlie took our pretty good ideas and made them fabulous through her design work!
Shirlie introduced me to the Des Moines Metro Opera, sharing tickets in the front row given to her because of her work on the opera posters. She also created an appreciation for Hawaii when we traveled there together one year at Christmas.
It's not surprising she chose Hawaii as her ultimate home, a place of beauty just like her.
My condolences to her family and friends. Her spirit remains in all of us in some way.
Dick & Jane Croll
11/28/2023
Few could match Shirlie's creative and artistic talent. We've know her since 1966. Earlier Dick was her contemporary at Drake and later I met her at The Register. Some of the fond memories include: Shirlie's cats Goodness and Mercy, a sweet 16 birthday party for her Dodge convertible, her top-notch signed RAGBRAI posters, her guidance and hospitality when in Hawaii and her contributions to the Des Moines Art Center and Art Directors Association of Iowa. Our sympathies to Bonnie and families.
Barbara A Aden
11/27/2023
Shirlie was a huge influence in my life. I met her in 1984, during my junior year at Drake, when she taught graphic design in the evenings, after working as a creative director during the day. She gave me a summer internship working under her at The Register. She was tough, with high expectations and standards, and excellent at art directing. She taught me so much about design, and I credit her with starting my career professionally. I will always remember how her serious demeanor could quickly dissolve into a smile and big laugh. She was tough, and generous, and had a big heart. She was an inspiration to everyone who met her. Much love and sympathy to her family.
Bob Peak
11/27/2023
Shirlie was a long time friend and I am a better person for having her in my life. I appreciated her loyalty as a friend and her talent and creativity as an artist. Right up to our last ride in my convertible for an ice cream she was happy loving and still looking at life from a positive perspective. Condolences to her family and a special "so sorry for your loss" to her sister Bonnie.
Diane Gisel Schrage
11/26/2023
Shirlie was one of those people who make life a little brighter for knowing her. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Dee Johnson
11/26/2023
You Never Said Im leaving. You never said Goodbye.
You were gone before I knew it and only God knows why.
In life I loved you dearly. In death I love you still.
In my heart I hold a place that only you can fill. It broke my heart to lose you.
But you didnt go alone. A part of me went with you.