Shirley Dorene Stoelk

Shirley Dorene Stoelk, daughter of Axel and Elsie (Chinnow) Granquist, was born in Adams, MN, on June 6, 1936. She passed away on June 18, 2024. The Granquist family moved from Adams, MN, to Waltham, MN, when Shirley was seven years old. Throughout her life, Shirley was blessed to live in a community where she was surrounded by her family and friends.

After graduating from Hayfield High School in 1954, Shirley started her working career and began working at the Hormel Foods Corporation in Austin, MN. While there, she worked in several different departments and in the Corporate Office. On June 18, 1960, Shirley was united in marriage to Lyle E. Stoelk at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Waltham, MN. Together, they farmed the family farm for nearly 30 years. In later years, Shirley worked part-time for the Hayfield School District.

Shirley was proud to be a fourth generation member of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. As children, both Shirley and her husband, Lyle, were baptized and confirmed at St. Michael’s. She took part in many of the Church’s activities including the Church Council, Endowment Committee, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School; and, the Altar Guild.

Shirley was a talented seamstress. She made and tailored a lot of her own clothing, including her own wedding dress. Shirley also enjoyed travelling and taking part in new adventures. She especially enjoyed travelling to Sweden, Florida; and, Chicago with her daughter. Shirley also enjoyed reading good novels, talking with her family; and, watching the birds and squirrels come and go from the feeders in the back yard.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Cynthia; and, son-in-law, Kelly. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Donna Stoelk, brother-in-law, Charles Stoelk; and, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle Stoelk; her parents, Axel and Elsie Granquist; and, her sister, Dolores Pesch.

There will be a Visitation on Friday, June 28th from 5:00-7:00pm at the Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, Hayfield, MN. On Saturday, June 29th, there will also be a Visitation at the Church from 10:00am – 10:45am, prior to the services. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 29th at 11am at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 30450 570th Street, Waltham MN.

Blessed be her memory.