Shirley Jean Balensiefen

Princeton - Shirley Jean Balensiefen, "Feep" "Little Red", 78, of Princeton passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023 at 11:23 a.m. at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL. Shirley, was born on May 12, 1945, to the late Margaret Danielson, in Kewanee, IL. She attended Tiskilwa High School and later received her cosmetology license through Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology, in Sterling. She married Bob Balensiefen, of Princeton, IL, on June 13, 1964. They had two children, Tracey and Shawn. She was a beautician/manager at My Lady's Beauty Salon for many years. She also worked as a CNA, caregiver, and dog groomer. Her biggest love was dog grooming for which those that knew her, knew dogs were her life. She loved all animals and was always helping an animal in need. She grew up on a farm and carried those down to earth values throughout her whole life. She was a hard worker and would give anything to anyone who needed help. She was also a member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton, IL, and had a deep love for her religion. Shirley enjoyed spending time with her dogs, Gracie and Bella as well as her cat Sammy. She also enjoyed picking strawberries at the strawberry patch and loved gardening. She loved to watch Gunsmoke. She loved her music as well; Elvis, Conway Twitty, Irish version of Danny Boy, Patsy Kline, and Enya. She loved her makeup, especially Estee Lauder. She loved her family with her whole heart and soul. She was the family rock and always time to spare, had good advice to give and was never judgmental. She was always full of laughter and greeted everyone with a warm welcome and a smile. Survived by her husband, Bob Balensiefen of Princeton, IL; daughter, Tracey Englehaupt of Princeton, IL and son, Shawn (Stephanie) Balensiefen of Longwood, Fl.; sister, Elaine (Jim) Murphy of Peoria, IL.; five grandchildren, Brianna (Brian) Dhom of Bloomington, IL., Austin Englehaupt of Ladd, IL, Shayna Miranda of Princeton, IL., Annaliece Balensiefen of Longwood, Fl and Presley Balensiefen of Longwood, FL.; three great grandchildren, Hayden Englehaupt of Ladd, IL, Olivia Dhom of Bloomington, IL and Eli Dhom of Bloomington, IL. Preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Danielson, sister, Margaret Salsman and nephew Duane Salsman. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. The family will be holding private services and would appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Pallbearers: Shawn Balensiefen, Austin Englehaupt, Presley Balensiefen, Brian Dhom, Jim Murphy and Rob Placek. Honorary Pall Bearers; Porfi Campos-Cruz, Cody Olivo, Tony Orozco, and Doug Englehaupt. Online condolences may be directed to www.norbergfh.com Arrangements by Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.

Shirley Jean Balensiefen

May 12, 1945 - July 7, 2023