Harlan Native, Educator Shirley Herbst Dies at 72
Shirley Ann Herbst, Harlan-born paraeducator known for helping children learn to read, died Feb. 17 in Cedar Rapids. Visitation Feb. 21 at FaithLife Church in Marion with a memorial to follow. Read the full obituary for family and service details.
Shirley Ann Herbst, 72, of Cedar Rapids, died Feb. 17, 2026. Visitation is 1–2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at FaithLife Church in Marion, with a memorial service at 2 p.m.
Born Jan. 27, 1954, in Harlan, Shirley grew up on a farm near Westphalia and graduated from Harlan High School. She trained and worked as a registered nurse, later serving for many years as a paraeducator at Arthur Elementary where she helped children learn to read.
She married Ted Herbst in 1985 and raised three children. Shirley was an active church volunteer, a lifelong reader and book-club member, and a fan of Iowa and Iowa State sports. She is survived by her husband, children and grandchildren, and a large family that includes brother Don Schomers of Harlan.
Memorials may be directed to the Hiawatha Public Library. Read the full obituary and service details at The Gazette: https://www.thegazette.com/obituaries/shirley-ann-herbst/
