Shirley Agnes SCHIPKE

Shirley Agnes Gatzert was born 11/11/1930 to Ed and Edna Gatzert. She was the youngest of two children, her brother Glenn being 5 ½ years older. Shirley grew up in Holly Hills in South St. Louis City. She was in a dance team with her brother for Tap and took Ballet as well. They often performed on the St. Louis Admiral Floating up and down the Mississippi River. Shirley began taking piano lessons from the accompanist of the dance studio, Celeste. She lived across the street from the Gatzerts and allowed Shirley to practice on her piano until Ed was certain that she was a serious student, and purchased a piano for their home. At age 13, Shirley began voice lessons. A gifted student, she took all the lead rolls in Cleveland high School musicals, won 2 full scholarships (Washington University and Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia) – she chose Curtis, attended 2 years then switched to Julliard for 2 years in New York. Trained classically, Shirley was a Mezzo Soprano. Shirley married Adrian Theodore Schmoll Jr. in June 1955 – Daughter Lori born Jan 1958 and son Mark born June 1959. During her working years, Shirley was a private voice teacher through Webster University, a music and dance teacher at Rossman Elementary School, Secretary/Administrative work for Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Gravois Health Care Center and other places. She was also organist for several churches including First Unity at Grand and Bates, where she directed the Joy Singers, who sang at Residential Facilities for Senior Citizens. Adrian died in 1982, her son Mark in 1986. She was married a second time to Paul Schipke in 1988, the marriage lasting 8 years. During the 1990’s Shirley began acting in local community theatre, commercials and voice overs for Talent Plus. She moved into Lori’s home December of 1999, and remained in residence with Lori to the very end. The two of them moved into Wendy Birmingham’s home in February 2017, as it was better suited to Shirley’s weakened condition. She leaves behind daughter Lori Schmoll, Daughter-in-law Denise Schmoll Williams, Grandsons David (Jessica) & Daniel Schmoll (Aubrey), Alex Birmingham (Shannon), GrandDaughter Kelsey Birmingham, Great Grand Children Lana, Mark, Ruby and Walter. Additionally, she had nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special Thanks from Shirley and Lori to Wendy Birmingham, who made caring for Shirley at home, a possibility. A Celebration of life to be held Monday, June 18 at Alternative Cremation, 2115 Parkway Dr., St. Peters, MO 63367. Service at 6pm followed by visitation from 6:30-8:00pm. In Lieu of Flowers, family requests donations go to The Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka, MO.

Shirley Agnes SCHIPKE

November 11, 1930 - June 12, 2018