Shirley Jean Van Etten, nee Kauffman, age 71, born April 20, 1944 in Chicago Heights, Ill., passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday evening, November 17, 2015.

Shirley grew up primarily in Waukegan, and graduated from Peoria Central High School class of 1962. She met Rick at a picnic at Bradley University and they were married a short four months later. Starting out in Peoria, where Kim was born, Rick was soon transferred to Saginaw, Michigan, where Tracy and Jennifer joined the family. After spending nearly 20 years in Aurora, Illinois, Rick and Shirley moved to O'Fallon in 1994. Shirley was formerly a senior branch office administrator for Edward Jones Financial.

Shirley was a Stephen Minister at O'Fallon First United Methodist Church, where she shared her gifts of compassion and love for people. She enjoyed crafting, needlework, listening to music, and had previously sung in the church choir.

She was preceded in death by her parents Merle and Mildred, nee Langbehn, Kauffman; and her brother John Kauffman.

Surviving are her husband Richard Van Etten, whom she married January 24, 1964;
her three daughters Kimberly (Todd) Piller of Hot Springs, Ark., Tracy (Mark) Born of Aurora, Ill., and Jennifer (Christopher) Behnke of S. Elgin, Ill., her much loved grandsons Tyler and Conner Born, and Jacob and Brandon Behnke.

Also surviving are her sister Ann (Patrick) Byrne of Glen Ellyn, brother David (Verna) Kauffman of Congerville, and sister-in-law Marilyn Kauffman of Carol Stream; brothers-in-law Mark (Barbara) Van Etten, John "Brad" (Philly) Van Etten, sisters-in-law Patty (Jim) O'Connell, and Debbie (Phil) Kurello; and her mother-in-law June Van Etten; and her two precious long-haired dachshunds Hans and Gretchen.

Memorial donations are suggested to Spencer Pet Rescue or American Heart Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Memorial Visitation: Friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 pm, Friday, November 20, 2015 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O'Fallon, and from 10:30 – 11:30 am, Saturday, November 21, 2015, at O'Fallon First United Methodist Church.

Funeral: A Memorial Service will begin at 11:30 am, Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the church, with Pastor Ron Dickinson officiating.