Shirley Jean Monson

Shirley Jean (Gunderson) Monson, 79, of East Grand Forks, MN, passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2018 at Valley Eldercare Center in Grand Forks.

Shirley was born July 2, 1939, in Grand Forks, ND, the daughter of Marvin & Fay (Miller) Gunderson. She attended elementary school in Emerado, graduating from Northwood High School. She then furthered her education, graduating from Aaker’s Business College.

Shirley worked briefly at the Univ. of ND before beginning her 30+ year career as an Accounting Assistant for the Grand Forks County Auditor's office, retiring in 1995. She then went to work at Widman’s Candy store for 17 years, where she was able to maintain an active social life which was very important to her.

She married Richard Monson on June 4, 1964 at First Lutheran Church in East Grand Forks. Shirley remained an active and dedicated member of the church and LWML group. She served the LWML group faithfully, filling the roles of President, Treasurer and Secretary. She was always the first one to show up with either Widman’s Candy or homemade treats for any meeting, funeral or special event.

Shirley enjoyed baking, (her lemon meringue pie recipe was published in the GF herald, a feat she was quite proud of!) shopping, serving others, sending cards & writing letters and playing cribbage and cards. Many great memories were made while spending time at their lake place on Island Lake. Shirley was an immaculate housekeeper. Her china cabinets filled with beautiful china pieces and Snowbaby collections filled her with great joy. But above all of these things, Shirley’s level of generosity, kindness and goodness will remain in our hearts forever. She will be dearly missed.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Richard; stepchildren, Curt (Cindy) Monson, Terry (Tony) Silvestrin and Guy (Roxanne) Monson; brother, Donald (Maxine) Gunderson; nieces, Diane (Doug) Remer, Janet (Randy) Severson and Michelle (Chris) Potter; nephews, Roger (Gail) Crane, Kevin (Jackie) Crane and Michael Gunderson along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Phyllis Crane.

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 29, 2018 at First Lutheran Church in East Grand Forks, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the service in the church.

Interment: Memorial Park North Cemetery in Grand Forks, ND.