Shirley Joyce Janssen, 74, of Lincoln, passed away at Ridgewood Rehabilitation & Care Center in Seward, Nebraska on Wednesday afternoon, January 18, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Shirley was born on October 4, 1948, in Filley, Nebraska. Shirley attended school in Filley and served as the valedictorian for her graduating class from Filley High School. Shirley was determined to pay her own way through college and earned a bachelor's degree with double majors, Journalism and Political Science, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Shirley was married on July 24, 1982, to Virgil Melvin Schildt at American Lutheran Church in Filley, NE.

Shirley's number one priority was always her children. She worked for the State of Nebraska until giving birth to her first child and then became a dedicated stay at home mom to her three children. Shirley made sure her children had every opportunity growing up and loved attending all their events. When her children were in their teens, she worked part-time for Lincoln Public Schools. She enjoyed discussing current events and politics, caring for animals, listening to music, attending musicals, and spending time with her family. In her later years, she cherished visits from her granddaughters and hearing about their activities.

Survivors cherishing her memory include her husband, Virgil Schildt; two daughters, Barbara Palmer and husband Adam Palmer of Lincoln, NE, Lisa Hilzer and husband Taylor Hilzer of Lincoln, NE; one son, Aaron Schildt of Lincoln, NE; two granddaughters, Lexi and Nora Palmer; one sister, Mildred Radebaugh Warren of Beatrice, NE; one sister-in-law, Gloria Prochnow of Pleasant Dale, NE; nieces, Dr. Julie Fletcher and wife Shelley Fletcher of Hastings, NE, Teresa Prochnow of Pleasant Dale, NE; nephews, Joel Fletcher and wife Karen Vinella of Great Falls, VA, Barry Radebaugh and wife Karen Radebaugh of Lincoln, NE, David Prochnow of Pleasant Dale, NE, Mark Prochnow and wife Michelle Prochnow of Pleasant Dale, NE, and numerous cousins and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank W., and Elsie Johnson Janssen; sister, Violet E. Fletcher; brothers-in-law, Roger Prochnow, Bob Warren, Harold Radebaugh, Jerry Fletcher. To this obituary we add our thoughts, prayers and memories of a life shared with Shirley.