Shirley R. (Hohenstein) Quilling

Shirley Rae Quilling was born on October 10, 1931, to Walter and Rose Hohenstein in Mankato, MN. Shirley had two brothers, Maurice Olsen, Roger Hohenstein and sister, Carole Rudenick. Shirley graduated from Bethany Lutheran High School and met the love of her life, Gerry Quilling, in the bleachers at a high school football game. They were engaged Christmas of 1950 and married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato, MN, July 15, 1951. They initially lived in Mankato and moved to Glencoe, then Hopkins, followed by a move to St Louis Park where they resided the rest of their lives. Shirley and Gerry have three children, Sue, John and Barb. They were members of Gethsemane Lutheran Church for over 60 years. Upon the death of her father, Shirley helped with the family insurance business. After she married, frequent trips were made to Mankato to help her mother at the office until her mother’s retirement. In later years she was employed by Abbott Northwestern Hospital as a supervisor, managing the call center for the Abbott Foundation. Shirley was an avid volunteer. She joined Civil Air Patrol in 1958 and was a member of the St. Louis Park Squadron. Throughout the years as a member of Minnesota Wing staff, she participated in the International Air Cadet Exchange program, Intra-Region Girls Exchange, net control station/emergency services radio operator, drill team chaperone, along with many banquets and conference planning events. Shirley had an immense interest in politics. She was a local, congressional and state delegate for the Republican Party numerous years and also provided continuous phone bank and mass mailing support. She proudly served as an election judge until recent years. Shirley was also involved with the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, WI and worked in camper registration with Gerry for many years. Shirley's love of travel started with her parents early on. She helped drive the family car on trips as soon as she received her license. A trip to New York City to see the Statue of Liberty was always a special memory to her. She traveled with her husband and children, spending every spring break on the beach in Panama City, FL. In the summer they visited national parks enjoying spotting wildlife across the country (although the bear jams in Yellowstone always made her a little nervous). Shirley and Gerry enjoyed retirement traveling the United States, Canada and Europe. Shirley surprised Gerry with the purchase of their first camper called a "Scamp," which she found on a bulletin board at a local Cub Food grocery store. This sparked their interest in camping and continued travel. They drove miles and miles in their various motor homes, spending winters in Florida and Arizona along with Fall trips out west and to Canada. Shirley had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed attending their events and watching them grow up. They fondly remember learning Crazy 8’s, Old Maid and Chinese Checkers with her. The grandkids and Grandma enjoyed going to Crazy Days, a local annual sidewalk sale event each summer. She shared many special times with each of them during summer vacations and holidays. In later years, Shirley loved receiving her great-grandson’s drawings, along with their school work and being together on special occasions and enjoyed visits from her newest great-grandson that was born in January. Shirley loved to entertain and enjoyed hosting dinner parties and special events. She had a decorating flare for each Minnesota season which she passed on to all three of her children. When visiting Shirley in person or via the phone, the television channel was usually tuned to FOX News or CNN News. She also listened to WCCO radio throughout the years. She always was up to date on current events and the weather, eager to share with family and friends. Shirley even educated her caregivers on the political process as she never missed a debate. She always took the time to ensure that those close to her exercised their right to vote. She did not care how people voted, as long as they did vote. Even the last week(s) of her life she was asking for an absentee ballot for this Fall’s election. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Gerry, and brother, Roger Hohenstein. She is survived by her children, Sue Decker (Warren Decker) Kansas City, Sue’s daughter, Jennifer Coleman (Craig) sons Brady & Carson, Warren’s daughters, Emily Steele (John) sons Garrett, Adam and Amy Brandvik (Reed) daughters Lilly, Annie & Maggie. John Quilling (Kirsty McCracken) Burnsville, John’s sons, Jeremy & Justin, Kirsty’s son, Kyle Thomas. Barb Decker (Rob Decker) Eden Prairie, sons Kyle (Julie) son Weston and Ryan. Brother, Maurice Olsen, Rapid City, SD, sister-in-law, Deanna Hohenstein, Virginia, MN, sister, Carole Rudenick (Ronny) Nicollet, MN and nieces & nephews. “Enjoy your 65th wedding anniversary with Dad (July

Tributes

Shirley R. (Hohenstein) Quilling

July 10, 2016

Tributes

Shirley R. (Hohenstein) Quilling

July 10, 2016

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