Shirley M. Arp, 94, of Davenport, died peacefully at Clarissa Cook Hospice House on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. Visitation was Thursday, Oct. 16, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport, from 4-7 p.m. Funeral services were Friday, Oct. 17, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport, with internment following at Davenport Memorial Park.
Shirley Mae Arp was born on the family farm near Probstei on Aug. 9, 1931, to Theodore H. And Leila (Wulf) Arp. She was educated in a one-room schoolhouse, JB Young Junior High, and graduated from Davenport High School in 1949. She married Allan A. Arp on Sept. 16, 1950.
Shirley was employed for 30 years with the Davenport Public Schools, retiring in 1993 as the registrar of West High School. Throughout the years, she enjoyed Poker Club, Dogtown Bowling League, 500 Card Club, Red Hat Ladies, Ladies Euchre Club and especially the Anniversary (Beer Drinkers) Club. She was a member of Leidertaufel, Pythian Sisters, Royal Neighbors of America, Kaaba Shrine, DARSPA, West High School Retirees, German American Heritage Society, Women of the Moose, Tri-County Investment Club, St. Paul Lutheran Church and Walcott American Legion Auxiliary #548.
As an auxiliary member, she served in many roles including Chapter President, 2nd District President and Department (State) Chaplain. She treasured meeting fellow veterans and their families throughout the county and state levels. She served as a Girls State Counselor for many years, mentoring young women. A highlight was serving as an Iowa state page at the National American Legion Convention in Milwaukee, Wis., and carrying the American flag in the national parade.
Shirley and Al enjoyed traveling and frequently went to Germany and Austria to visit friends. They loved spending their winters in sunny Arizona with their fellow “snowbirds.” Shirley always loved flowers and any time spent in her garden brought her great joy. She was known for having a “green” thumb and having one of the prettiest flower gardens in the neighborhood. She enjoyed antiquing and often entered her treasures in the MVF where she won many ribbons in the Antiques Division. Shirley was also well known for making and gifting her famous “snack mix” during the holidays. Most people knew that her guilty pleasure was enjoying a bowl of Whitey’s ice cream before bed every night!
She is survived by daughter Julie (Regis) Rulifson, Apex N.C., son Brent (Nancy) Arp, Walcott, and daughter Jane (Pat Sherman) Tomesch, Ames. Other survivors include her grandchildren: Nicholas Rulifson, Apex, Kate (Ben) Schreurs, Franklin Tenn., Stephanie (Coy) Claussen, Walcott, Dr. Laura (Tony) Frankowski, Bettendorf, Dr. Christopher (Kathryn) Arp, Tampa Fla., Dr. Alexander (Jenny) Tomesch, Omaha Neb., and Zachary Tomesch, Marshalltown. Great-grandchildren include: Connor, Reagan, Benjamin, Kylie, Luke, Charlie, Eli, Jacob and Max.
She is predeceased by her husband Allan A. Arp, parents Theodore H. and Leila (Wulf) Arp, brother and sister-in-law Theodore F. and Velma (Keppy) Arp and son and daughter-in-law Gregory and Vicky (Schroeder) Arp.
Memorials may be made to the Walcott American Legion Auxiliary #548, Clarissa Cook Hospice House and St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport.
We are very thankful for the wonderful staff and caregivers at Clarissa Cook Hospice House and MercyOne Genesis.
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