Shirley Ann Thortsen

Shirley Ann Thortsen, the daughter of George and Elsie Schlaak Gerlach, was born December 17, 1944 in Hanley Falls, MN. She received her early education and graduated from the Hanley Falls High School. Following her schooling, she worked at a Swift Plant in Marshall, MN. Shirley then moved to Spencer in 1969 and worked at the Tangney Hotel for a couple of years and then for over 31 years she worked at Spencer National until her retirement. Shirley married Gerald Thortsen on October 10, 1970 at the Tangney Hotel in Spencer, Iowa. In her spare time, Shirley enjoyed doing crafts, quilting, sewing, cooking and fishing. Most of all, Shirley loved her children and grandchildren who also loved having her in their lives. Shirley passed away on July 24, 2008 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 63. She is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Marie; two brothers: Eddy and Al. She is survived by her husband, Gerald of Spencer; two daughters: Dorene Nelson and her husband, Duane of Jackson, MN and Robyn Jessen of Northfield, MN; son, Michael Thortsen of Normal, IL; 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; sister, Esther Gerlach of Marion, WI; two brothers: George Gerlach and his wife, Jill and Benny Gerlach and his wife Jody all of Texas; 2 sisters-in-law, Joann Gerlach of Cottonwood, MN and Barb Gerlach of Mankato, MN; special niece, Nancy Dahl and her husband, Mike of Hanley Falls, MN; 2 great nieces; other relatives and friends.

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