Shirley Joan Kelderman, 85, passed away on December 13, 2024, at Mercy One Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. The family will greet guests from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville, Iowa. Funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 

Knoxville Church of the Nazarene. Shirley will be laid to rest at Coal Ridge Cemetery following services. A luncheon will be provided at the church fellowship hall following burial.

Shirley was born in Pella, Iowa on August 1, 1939, to Bastiaan and Johanna (Vander Wiel) Goemaat. Both parents passed away when Shirley was young, and she and her older sister Arlene were raised by their aunt and uncle, Sarah and Klaus Van Buren. Shirley graduated from Pella Christian High School with the Class of 1957. The June following her graduation, she married Elmer Kelderman. This marriage was blessed with five children.

Shirley had a lifelong Christian faith. One of her favorite hymns was “In the Garden.” She loved all things nature. During her life on the farm, she had a beautiful garden full of flowers and vegetables. Shirley loved birds of all kinds and enjoyed trips to watch the eagles fly. She was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, all whom she deeply loved. Shirley instilled in them the love she had for the beauty of God’s creation.

Shirley is survived by her children: Dwight (Lynn) Kelderman of Knoxville, Iowa, Bonne Derby of Centerville, Iowa, Debra (Kevin) Mart of Foley, Alabama, Cindy (Eric) Busch of West Des Moines, Iowa, and Judy (Vaughn) Feagins of Knoxville, Iowa; her partner of many years, Larry Angove; eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Arlene Vander Laan; and brother in-law, Dick Vander Laan.

Memorials may be directed to the Knoxville Public Library.