Shirley Schmeckpeper

July 9, 1949 — March 23, 2017

Shirley Ann (Schultz) Schmeckpeper age 67 of Belle Plaine, passed away on March 23, 2017 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. Services to take place on Tuesday, March 28, at Trinity Lutheran in Belle Plaine. There will be a visitation from 9-11am with an 11am prayer service, followed by the interment in Oakwood Cemetery in Belle Plaine. In addition, a visitation from 4-5 pm with a 5 pm memorial service. Lastly, the family would like to invite you to a celebration of her life to share stories, memories & a meal as Shirley would want immediately following the 5 pm memorial service at the church. Shirley was born in Shakopee, MN on July 9, 1949 to Charlie and Velma (Allen) Schultz. She was one of seven children born to the two of them and also had four additional half siblings. She grew up in Belle Plaine and graduated from Belle Plaine High School. In 1968, she married James Allen Schmeckpeper, to this union four children were born: James William, Judy Lynn, Charlie Allen and Chris Walter. In September 1985, a tragic house fire claimed the lives of two of her sons, James (16) and Charlie (11). Her strong faith and perseverance guided her through difficult times. She worked hard at Hutton's Café in Belle Plaine and always did whatever she could to lend a hand and put a smile on your face. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, playing dice and cards, watching old westerns, being outdoors and BBQ's. She passed away peacefully with her children by her side. She is preceded in death by her parents, two sons, sisters Esther & Violet and brother Daniel. Shirley is survived by her loving children, Judy Nelson and Chris Schmeckpeper of Belle Plaine, Grandson, Ricky, Siblings, David Schultz of Belle Plaine, Irene (Donnie) Haas of Belle Plaine, Marie (Donald) Lafayette of Gibbon, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. In Lieu of flowers, a memorial is set up at State Bank of Belle Plaine under Schmeckpeper Memorial.