Sheila Azinger

   Sheila Azinger, 83, of Montrose, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City surrounded by her family.

     She was born February 23, 1943, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Margaret Fitzpatrick.

     On February 20, 1965, she was united in marriage to William Daniel "Bill" Azinger in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They shared forty-six wonderful years together before he preceded her in death on February 4, 2011.

    Sheila graduated from Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School in 1961 and went on to earn her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) credentials from St. Luke's School of Nursing. She began her nursing career in the first intensive care unit at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids and later worked for Dr. Kemp's Family Practice in Keokuk for fourteen years. She also served as a nurse at the Montrose Health Center. Even after retirement, Sheila's caring nature continued to shine as she worked as a substitute school nurse for the Central Lee and Keokuk school districts.

     Sheila enjoyed reading, watching her favorite television shows, sewing, serving as a board member for the Montrose Memorial Library, volunteering her time and service at St. Joseph’s amongst other community functions, but most of all, spending treasured time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.       

     Sheila is survived by her five children, Will Azinger (Ellen) of Estill Springs, Tennessee, Brian Azinger (Liz) of Ripon, Wisconsin, Doug Azinger (Amy) of Prior Lake, Minnesota, Steve Azinger (Connie) of Earlham, Iowa, and Beth Azinger (Chris) of Spencer, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Bryce, Brennan (Jacey), Tyler, Mikala (Michael), Kaitlynn, Emma, Therese, and Lucy; three great-grandchildren, Weston, Penelope, and Jenevive; her brother, Mike Fitzpatrick (Jill); her twin sister, Sharon Nogovan; her sister, Margie Walstead (Larry); her brother-in-law, Roy Azinger (Liz); her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Azinger; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

     She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, Charles and Margaret Fitzpatrick; brothers-in-law Herman "Bud" Azinger, Tom Azinger, Dick Azinger, and Tony Nogovan; and sisters-in-law Donna Tabbaa, Pat Azinger, and Barb Azinger.    

      A memorial mass will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2026 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Montrose with Father Gary Beckman officiating. Burial will follow at Montrose Cemetery.

     Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church, where the family will meet with friends at that time.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Montrose Memorial Library or Montrose Riverfront, Inc.

     The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk is assisting the family with arrangements.

     Online condolences may be made to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com