Shirley Colleen Klapprodt

Shirley, 78, of Cedar Falls, passed away at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo. She was born in Belvidere, Illinois, daughter of Floyd and Florence (Miller) Anderson. Shirley graduated from Harlem High School in Machesney Park, Illinois. She later followed the love of her life, Ronald Gary Klapprodt, to Cedar Falls, where the two were married on April 11, 1970. Shirley worked many jobs over the years. She enjoyed her first job as a waitress at Top Hat. Shirley also spent many years caring for and loving babies and children in her home. Later she cherished her time, and the friendships she made, at Daylight Donuts. Eventually, Shirley returned to her love of caring for little ones at A to Z Learning Center and Daycare, where she gained, yet, another best friend. Even years later, children who had grown up under her care would spot her in the community and call her “Grandma Shirley.” After retiring in 2020, she found joy in her love for Elvis Presley, gathering with friends to watch performances of impersonators and share memories, laughter and music. And many family members and friends have been gifted blankets crocheted with love from Shirley.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Gary; her mother, Florence Miller Anderson Schlie; her stepfather, John Schlie; her father, Floyd Anderson; brothers: Harold, Ken and Bud Anderson, Chuck Schlie; sisters: Eleanor Warner, Sherry Breese, and Carol Williams; and nephew, John Breese. She is survived by her children: Darrin (Debbie) Klapprodt and Nikki (Craig) Voelker; 6 grandchildren, who were her greatest pride and joy: Noah (Kristen) Klapprodt, D.J. (Colleen) Klapprodt and Kristina Klapprodt and Cole Voelker, Nate Voelker and Cade Voelker; 3 great grandchildren; one sister, Leah Pitner, numerous nieces and nephews, and many extended family members and friends.

Shirley’s Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, September 11, 2026, with one hour of Visitation prior at Prairie Lakes Church of Cedar Falls. Memorials may be directed to the Family or to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library at the Cedar Falls Public Library. 

Shirley will be remembered for her kindness, her humor, her deep love for children and the way she made everyone feel like family.