Shirley Gersib

Shirley Jane Gersib, 99, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Friday, March 13, 2026, at Brookestone Acres in Columbus.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 17, at 10:30 AM, at Peace Lutheran Church with Rev. Joel Ripke officiating. Interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue on Tuesday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church. There will be a family prayer service on Tuesday at 10:15 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, stones, plaques, etc., memorials are suggested to Peace Lutheran Church or Platte County Historical Society.

Shirley Jane Gersib was born September 19, 1926, in Platte County, Nebraska, to Henry and Cornelia (Wullschleger) Hoessel. Her dad always told her she was found in the watermelon patch.

Shirley was baptized and confirmed her Christian faith through confirmation at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, rural Leigh. She attended District 23 grade school where she graduated from the 8th grade. Shirley met Arthur Gersib through church. Art’s mother had married Shirley’s pastor after the death of Art’s father. Shirley and Art were united in marriage on June 1, 1947, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Shirley worked as a parish worker at Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus for several years. She was a talented artist, doing paintings in watercolor, oil, and feathers. She was active in the Columbus Area Artists and a docent at the Columbus Art Gallery. Shirley was member of the Golden Keys Extension Club, bowled on the Senior Bowling League, and did volunteer work at the Columbus Community Hospital. Shirley was dedicated to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was active in Stephen Ministry, LWML, taught Sunday School and Bible School, served on the church council, was a church organist and music leader. She was currently a member of Peace Lutheran Church.

Shirley was a gifted seamstress and made numerous costumes for Columbus High School Musicals. She did custom drapery for Pat’s Store For Homes, and had numerous paintings displayed around Columbus.

Shirley is survived by:Daughter – Pat (David) Studts of Ralston, NESon – Richard (Linda) Gersib of Lincoln, NESon – Greg (Julie) Gersib of Austin, TX10 Grandchildren15 Great GrandchildrenSister-in-law – Edna Hoessel of Columbus, NE.  Several nieces and nephews.  Many mentees and friends, including Cindy and Jim Schwalenberg and family, and her ReaLife family.

Shirley was preceded in death by:Parents – Henry and Cornelia HoesselHusband – Arthur GersibSisters – Ruth (Adolph) Rickert, Gladys (Walter) Luckey, and Phyllis (Edward) HassebrookBrothers - Wilfred (Lorraine) Hoessel, Donald (Delores) Hoessel, and Gordon Hoessel