In Memory of Shirley Trulsen

Shirley Trulsen age 62, of Holstein, Iowa, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home in Ida Grove, Iowa. Pastor Tyler Parson will officiate.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home in Ida Grove, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Shirley Rae (Stout) Trulsen, the daughter of Ferman Stout and Colleen Wright, was born on September 16, 1964, in Carroll, Iowa. She grew up in Carroll and received her education from Carroll Community High School, graduating with the Class of 1983.

Following high school, Shirley moved to Ida Grove, Iowa, where she met the love of her life, Bruce Trulsen. Their relationship blossomed, and the couple were united in marriage on April 11, 1986. Together, they returned to Carroll, Iowa, where they made their home and began building a life together.

Shirley embarked on a 29-year career with St. Anthony’s Hospital as Dietitian, where she dedicated many years of service. In addition to her work at the hospital, she also worked part-time as a waitress at Tony’s Restaurant. Shirley and Bruce were overjoyed when they welcomed their daughter, Nichole, into their family.

In 2016, Shirley and Bruce relocated to Holstein, Iowa, where she began working for the Galva-Holstein Community School District as a Dietitian Supervisor. Shirley took great pride in her work and enjoyed serving the students and staff of the district. Due to health concerns, she entered early retirement in 2019.

In her free time, Shirley enjoyed shopping, working on puzzles, cooking, going on cruises, and, of course, cats. While these activities brought her happiness, nothing compared to the joy she found in her family. Shirley loved watching her family grow and treasured every opportunity to spend time with those she loved, especially her grandchildren. The memories created with her family held a special place in her heart and remained among her greatest blessings.

On September 18, 2026, Shirley peacefully took her Lord and Savior’s hand and was welcomed into her heavenly home. Awaiting her with open arms were the loved ones who had gone before her. Those welcoming Shirley into Heaven include her: parents Ferman Stout and Colleen Wright; in-laws Harold and Gertrude Trulsen; brother Bruce Wright, nephew Sgt. Adrian Hike; step-sister Kim Bird; sister Janet Johnson; brother-in-law Randy Johnson; step-father Don Wright; sister-in-law Marlene Crum; brother-in-law Richard Petersen; and step-brother-in-law Craig Edwards.

Shirley is survived by her devoted husband Bruce Trulsen of Holstein, IA; daughter Nichole (Bryan) Brell of Galva, IA; grandchildren: Joshten, Serenity, Ella, and Jaxson; sisters Linda Fagan of Rockwell City, IA, Karen Petersen of Holstein, IA, step-brothers Kevin (Mary) Hike of Lake City, IA and Kenny (Karen) Hike of Des Moines, IA; step-sisters Kathy Edwards of Carroll, IA and Karla (Scott) Fischer of Rockwell City, IA; sister-in-law Jolene (Stan) Nading of Galva, IA; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.