Shirley Jeanne (Siefken) Beneke died Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at Scottish Rite Park in Des Moines . She was born June 20, 1925 in Rembrandt, Iowa to R.J. and Emma (Rosene) Siefken.

After earning her elementary teaching certification from Iowa State Teachers' College (now University of Northern Iowa), Shirley taught fourth grade in Laurens, Iowa. In 1947 she married Leland Beneke and they operated the family farm in Laurens for several years before his career change moved the family to Grinnell and then to Vinton. There Shirley taught remedial reading at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School. Upon retirement in 2003, Lee and Shirley moved to Des Moines, Iowa.

Shirley immediately began to volunteer as a reading tutor at Greenwood Elementary School. The loves of her life included family, gardening, card games, crossword puzzles, college basketball, and baseball, faithfully following the Chicago Cubs. She was recognized by the Des Moines Public Library for her ambitious reading list when she became homebound in later years. She was a long-time member of the Vinton Methodist Church, where she taught a junior high Sunday School class for many years, and the PEO Sisterhood. Shirley leaves a legacy of quiet service with the explanation that "help was needed" when she stepped in.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Lee, her parents, two brothers, and an infant son. Survivors include daughter Lynn Hilmers of Houston, Texas, son Bill Beneke (Sallee) of Princeton, Illinois, daughter Ann Beneke of Des Moines, nine grandchildren, and six great- grandchildren.

A private burial will be held at a later date. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Rowan Unit for their compassionate care and suggests memorials to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the Parkinson's Foundation.

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kb July 15, 2022, 4:25 pm Ann I’m sorry to hear about your moms passing. Sending prayers to you and your family.
DB July 18, 2022, 9:47 am Ann, my sympathy to you and your family. It is never easy to lose a loved one, but your Mom lived a good long life and helped so many people along the way. Those that got a chance to be a part of her generosity are all the better for getting her helping hand. Your Mom joins your Dad and is now another angel that will watch over her family and friends. Again, my deepest sorrow for your loss. Remember all the good times and a smile will cross your face, she would like that. May God comfort you all as you grieve.
DA July 19, 2022, 11:01 am Ann - So sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. When I think of her I remember all the fun times on B Ave. Bridge games, school board conventions, come as you are coffees and PEO meetings. She had a long and productive life, what more could you ask for.She and Kay are having a cup of coffee and talking about old times.
Dottie
MN July 23, 2022, 3:54 pm Ann& family - I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. My most vivid memories of her are of her beautiful smile and warm charm. My mom gave me a box of my baby memories a few years ago and included was a card your mother had sent and her written note about how much love baby Ann had brought to your family - fun to read! She was a person we should all aspire to be and I’m sure your memories will bring you comfort.