Gilman Shirley, 96, Rothsay, MN

Gilman Shirley

Gilman Morvil Shirley, 96, of rural Rothsay, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Center in Pelican Rapids.
He was born Dec. 9, 1911, in Erhards Grove Township of Otter Tail County, the second child of Martin and Emilie (Granrud) Shirley. He was baptized and confirmed at South Immanuel Lutheran Church. Gilman attended rural school at District 89 in Trondhjem Township.
On Dec. 17, 1938, he married Helen Ohe at South Immanuel Lutheran Church parsonage. The couple later purchased the Shirley family farm where they resided and farmed.
To this union two daughters were born, Gloria and Ileen. Helen died Nov. 11, 2003.
Gilman was a fun-loving man who always had a story to tell. He had a wonderful memory (until his stroke three and a half years ago) and would relate his memories of years past. Much of our heritage and ancestry was made real to us by his remembrances. He loved playing cards — especially Smear — with the sons-in-law and grandchildren.
He was a lifelong member of South Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Rothsay.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Helen; his sister Eunice (Oscar) Ouren; and a nephew, DeWayne Ouren.
Survivors include his daughters, Gloria (Harvey) Radtke of rural Pelican Rapids, and Ileen (Donald) Ronngren of Pelican Rapids; grandchildren, Linda Radtke Petersen, Keith (Lori) Radtke, Wayne (Michelle) Radtke, Alan (Jessica) Ronngren, Connie Ronngren (Steve) Bjorgan, and Galen (Laura) Ronngren; great-grandchildren, Eric Petersen, Neil Petersen, Luke Radtke, Matthew Radtke, Jacob Radtke, Abigail Radtke, Gavin Ronngren, Makayla Ronngren, Tristan Ronngren, Logan Ronngren, and Dinah Ronngren; and three nieces, Elaine (James) Amundson, Shirley Ouren and Deanna Ouren.
Visitation: 4:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Grina Funeral Home in Rothsay, and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at South Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Rothsay
Clergy: Rev. Larry N. Olson
Burial: South Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Rothsay
Funeral Home: Grina Funeral Home, Rothsay
Condolences: www.olsonfuneralhome.com