Shirley Claire Viehweg

 

Shirley Claire (Gerdes) Viehweg passed away on March 15, 2025 at 3:48 p.m. at the Villas of Hollybrook in Chatham, IL. She was 90 years old.

 

Shirley was born on August 5, 1934 to Joseph and Clara (Heeren) Gerdes in Bunker Hill, IL. She attended Lutheran grade school in Bethalto until 1945 then transferred to Immanuel Lutheran School in Mt. Olive, IL. Shirley was a 1952 graduate of Mt. Olive High School. After graduation, she attended Brown’s Business School in St. Louis, MO.

 

After an extended engagement and threatening to move to Hawaii with a friend, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert (Bob) Viehweg, (Together voted “Best Looking” their senior year) on January 26, 1957 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mt. Olive, IL. He preceded her in death on April 28, 2016. Shirley was employed at the Creamery and at a Law Firm both in Litchfield, IL as a secretary, and often sang in weddings. Once her children were born, she was a homemaker doing some part-time work at Randy’s Market in Benld, IL until she and Bob bought Major Variety in Mt. Olive which she managed. Shirley was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mt. Olive, IL. She was part of the quilting group, and helped Bob and Linda count offerings every Wednesday.

 

Shirley was part of a card club most of her adult life. Before her eyes started to fail, she was an avid reader and enjoyed quilting, crocheting, knitting, embroidery and sewing. Even though she was an excellent cook, she loved to offer Bob chicken for dinner because that was an automatic dinner out. Shirley had amazing life-long friends. Together they took vacations, day trips and many Penny Poker nights. She and Bob enjoyed short gambling trips including a few to Las Vegas. Shirley loved the Chicago Bears until they fired Coach Ditka which left her bitter, holding that grudge until the very end. She had a fierce love for her faith and family.

 

“Sassy” Shirley was a force to be reckoned with. She was funny, stubborn, hard-headed, (we have CT documentation from a neurosurgeon to prove it) and was fiercely independent. She freely shared her many opinions whether you wanted to hear them or not. At the age of eleven, following her father’s death, she moved to Mt. Olive, and it became her new home. When it came time to move to assisted living three years ago, Shirley made friends, established routines, and had a loving care team looking out for her. Together with her beloved “Sophie Doo” on her lap, she watched game shows and napped in her favorite recliner. Shirley enjoyed her outings for church, card club, Widow’s lunch club, haircuts by Missy and pedicures with Kevin until she was very recently no longer able.

 

The family would like to thank the entire staff at the Villas of Hollybrook in Chatham, who loved her like she was family, the Elara Caring Hospice Team, and all our friends and family who sent love, prayer and support and to those who followed her journey.

 

Shirley is survived by LuAnn (Mike) Underwood of Racine, WI, “The Chosen One,” William “Bill” (Tammy) Viehweg of Staunton, IL and Diane (Steve) Baggerly of Springfield, IL,  grandchildren: Tara Conneally (Adam Gallegos), Timothy Underwood both of Chicago, IL, Andrew Underwood of Racine, cousin Dorothy Bailey of Independence, KS, Sophie “Sophie Doo”-her beloved cat and companion and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Clara Gerdes, her husband, Robert Viehweg, and an infant sister, Jerilyn Jo Gerdes.

 

Visitation will take place at Becker and Son Funeral Home in Mt. Olive, IL on Friday, March 21, 2025 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. A second visitation will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mt. Olive, IL on Saturday morning, March 22, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. when the service officiated by Pastor James Ritter will take place. Interment will be at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Mt. Olive, IL. A lunch for friends and family will immediately follow at the Immanuel Lutheran Education Building in Mt. Olive, IL.

 

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s, Benld Adopt-a-Pet, and Mt. Olive Care Center.

 

Becker and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Anyone wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at beckerandson.com.