SIGOURNEY — Shirley Wohler, age 85, of Sigourney, went to meet her Savior Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, at the Keokuk County Health Center in Sigourney after an 18-month battle with MDS.

Shirley was born Feb. 23, 1927, in State Center, the third of 11 children of Lyell and Marie (Hennies) Aves and graduated from Mason City High School. On Nov. 29, 1952, she married Gerald Wohler in Luverne, Minn. The couple moved to Sigourney in 1956 to run the HiDollar Sale Company. They also worked at Keoco Auction Company. In 1980, Shirley became the head cashier for the family-run HiDollar Auction and will be dearly missed by its patrons and staff. Shirley retired from HiDollar in 2011. Shirley was a member of Hope Lutheran Church and the LWML. They were only four ladies strong, but when they put on their purple aprons they could cook up a meal fit for a king. Shirley cherished the times they worshiped and the times they spent together. She enjoyed watching the Hawkeyes, gardening, sewing, cooking, fishing and anything that included spending time with her family.

Survivors include two children: Jerry (Emily) Wohler and Julie Wohler; two grandchildren: Benjamin Wohler and Sara Wohler, all of Sigourney; eight siblings: LuVerne Aves, of Waterloo, LaVonne (Roger) Clagett, of Kensett, Lila Johnston, of Henning, Minn., Ray (Mary) Aves, of Manly, Jeanette (Harold) Galligan, of New Hampton, Linda (Ozzie) Dahle-Melsaether, of Manly, Rick Aves, of Manly, and Susan Aves, of Mason City; sister-in-law: Deb McArthur; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Gerald in 1999; sister: Donna (Ray) Olson, brother: Bobby Aves, sister-in-law: Arline Aves; brother-in-law: Bob Johnston and two nieces: Judy Bird and Debbie Olson.

Celebration of Life Service was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 18, at Hope Lutheran Church in Sigourney, with Pastor Richard Meyer officiating. Burial will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Sigourney. Visitation was from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 17, at Powell Funeral Home in Sigourney.

A memorial fund has been established for the Sigourney Public Library, Hope Lutheran Church or Keokuk County Health Center. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Sigourney is caring for Shirley and her family. Condolences may be e-mailed at www.powellfuneralhomes.com under obituaries.