Florence was the 6th of 10 children born to Leo and Barbara (Hoheisel) Zenner. She enjoyed growing up on the family farm near Belgrade, where she was instilled with a strong faith and work ethic, helping with gardening, canning, chickens, cooking, cleaning, sewing, and quilting. She stayed active with homework, chores, 4-H projects & meetings, church activities and family picnics. As a devout Catholic, Florence went on to attend a small convent, but prior to taking her final vows, she felt God calling her to be a wife and mother.
Florence received a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology. She worked in various hospitals and clinics for 50 years before retiring in 2018. She enjoyed her profession, especially visiting with patients.
Florence was united in marriage to Arlen Francis Sheesley on May 8, 1976, at the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Belgrade. They made their home in Sleepy Eye, Arlen’s hometown, and raised a family of three children: Melanie, Devin, and Kyle. The family enjoyed camping, sports, fishing, visiting relatives, and family trips. Arlen and Florence purchased a lake lot in 1985 and made many beautiful memories at the cabin. Sadly, Arlen passed away in 1992 from esophageal cancer, with Florence lovingly caring for him until the end.
Florence married Gerald Joseph Shamla on May 24, 2002, welcoming his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren into her life. Florence and Gerald resided in St. Joseph, MN. The two made the most of their retirement years traveling the world. Cruises were one of their favorite activities. When not traveling, the couple enjoyed polka dancing, spending time at the cabin, and visiting friends and family.
Florence is survived by her husband, Gerald Shamla; daughter, Melanie (Cory) Greseth; sons, Devin (Michaela) Sheesley and Kyle (Tiffany) Sheesley; 12 grandchildren; sisters, Virginia, Betty, and Mary; brothers, Robert, Dennis and Gary; 7 stepchildren, 18 step-grandchildren, and 10 step-great-grandchildren.
Florence was preceded in death by her first husband, Arlen Sheesley; parents, Leo and Barbara (Hoheisel) Zenner; brothers, Steven and Leroy Zenner; and sister, Shirley (Zenner) Lipold.
Florence spent the final ten days of her life at Quiet Oaks Hospice House on the outskirts of St. Cloud. Gerald, Melanie, Devin, and Kyle moved in as well to spend every possible moment together. The team took such exceptional care of Florence – so much love, compassion, grace, and dignity. In lieu of flowers, please honor Florence’s life with a donation to this extraordinary home: Quiet Oaks, 5537 Galaxy Rd, St. Cloud, MN 56301 quietoakshospicehouse.org/