Service Information
Shirley Edna Gehlen, age 74, of Yuma, Arizona, and formerly of Glencoe and Cokato, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2019, at her home in Yuma, Arizona.
Gathering of Family & Friends will be held Monday, November 25, 2019, from 9:00-11:00 A.M., two hours prior to the service at Church of St. Pius X in Glencoe.
Memorial Service will be held Monday, November 25, 2019, 11:00 A.M. at Church of St. Pius X in Glencoe, Minnesota, with interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Obituary
Shirley Edna (Bentz) Gehlen was born on August 14th, 1945 in Green Isle Township, Sibley County, MN and grew up on a farm in Lester Prairie, MN. One of her most cherished memories was growing up with her brothers and sisters.
She was baptized as a Catholic on June 8, 1964 at St. Peter and Paul’s Church in Glencoe, MN. Shirley had a strong faith in her religion and in God, whom she resides with now in Heaven.
Shirley was a waitress at the Bus Depot in Glencoe where she met Richard and fell in love. On June 11th, 1964 she was united in holy marriage to Richard Gehlen at St. Peter and Paul’s Church in Glencoe, MN. They enjoyed 55 wonderful years together and were blessed with 4 children. Her proudest accomplishment was her marriage and her children.
Shirley was a hard worker and retired from 3M after 28 years of service.
She loved the outdoors, fishing, snowmobiling, gardening and her swing at the lake. She was a fantastic cook who also loved baking and canning. She was also an avid Vikings fan. Her favorite Holiday was Christmas and she often accompanied Santa as Mrs. Clause. Shirley was loved and admired by many. She had a great circle of friends and a loving close-knit family on both sides she visited often.
Shirley was a strong woman who lived with back pain for many years. She never complained about her pain and always had a smile on her face. Her strength was admired by many.
Shirley is survived by her loving husband: Richard Gehlen of Yuma, AZ and her adoring children; Donna (Lane) Schlecht of Hutchinson, MN, Kelli Meyer (friend Matt Banas) of Carolina Beach, NC, Rita (Dale) Weber of Glencoe, MN and Richard (Erin) Gehlen Jr. of Rice, MN; 18 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchildren and one on her way; 3 sisters, 2 brothers; 20 brother and sister-in laws and many other relatives.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents Albert and Edna Bentz, son-in-law Raymond P. Tersteeg II, granddaughter Lindsey Compart, grandson Raymond Peter Tersteeg III, brothers Ronnie Bentz, Ted Bentz, Harlan Bentz, Delmer Bentz, sisters Marlene Schuette and Marlane Venske, father-in-law Richard Gehlen, mothers-in-law, Pauline Gehlen and Noreen Gehlen, and 7 brothers and sisters-in-law.
Curt and tracy hahn says
Sympathy and prayers
Beth Winter says
Dick and family, so sorry for your loss!
May the wonderful memories comfort you! God bless you all!
Beth Christensen Winter
Rhonda Crotteau says
My deepest sympathy. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
David Shepardson says
May your family find peace in the beautiful memories you all have.
Andy Teubert says
I remember her being an amazing woman. She is in a better place, watching over her family. God Bless
Kymn says
Our deepest sympathy to all the family and close friends
Kymn and Jim Anderson.
Cheryl Fenske Drangstveit says
Richard, Donna, Kelly, Rita and little Dicky, It has been a while but know my thoughts and prayers are with you. You have my deepest sympathy. Cheryl
Jim Trueman says
Dick & family, So sorry to hear about your wife & mother passing. Will say a prayer for all of you & hope peace will return to your lives.
Judy Thul says
Dick and family, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I have many fun memories of Shirley. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
JANE LARSON says
I was so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. She will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers are with you Dick and family.
Jane Larson
Steve and Verlyce French says
Dick and family
Thoughts of sympathy to all of Shirley’s family.
Keeping you in our prayers,
Myrna & Bernie says
Dick and Family
Our love and prayers to you and your beautiful family..She will be missed at Mesa Verde..We were so blessed to have her as a friend…One Beautiful, Strong and Loved Lady…Rest in Peace Shirley…
Myrna & Bernie
Dee Koepp says
Dick and family, My deepest sympathies on the loss of Shirley. She will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.
HAROLD & MARGE NOHNER says
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS AND REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMLY.
Bruce H Feltmann says
Sorry to Hear of your loss My God’s Blessings Be with the fam
Kris Farenbaugh (Grindy) says
Rita, Kelli, and Dicky, Sending my deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your Mom.
Cherish your memories with your Mom.