Cold Spring
April 29, 1947 – June 15, 2026
Shirley Ann Thompson, 79, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Cloud, Minnesota, surrounded by her loving family.
Shirley was born on April 29, 1947, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to George H. Dehler and Monica M. Dehler (Hansen). She grew up with a strong sense of family, faith, and community that remained at the center of her life. Her strong religious values guided her throughout her life and were reflected in the way she cared for her family, friends, and church community.
On May 6, 1967, she married the love of her life, Dennis R. Thompson. Together they built a beautiful life centered on family, hard work, and creating lasting memories.
Later in life, Shirley returned to school at the business college, earning her degree and becoming an accountant—an accomplishment that reflected her determination, discipline, and lifelong willingness to keep learning.
Shirley found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved gardening, baking, sewing, quilting, reading, photography, and scrapbooking. Being outdoors was always her happy place. She was well known throughout the community for her daily walks along County Road 160, where many neighbors came to recognize her friendly smile and familiar presence.
Family was Shirley’s greatest treasure. She rarely missed an opportunity to attend her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s activities, celebrations, and milestones. Whether it was a sporting event, concert, graduation, birthday, or special achievement, Shirley could always be counted on to be there cheering them on.
She generously volunteered at St. Boniface and enjoyed serving her church community. Christmas was an especially special time for Shirley. She went all out decorating her home, baking countless treats, and creating wonderful memories for family and friends. She was also known for her beautiful cake decorating talents. Shirley valued healthy living and always strived to take care of herself and those she loved.
Anyone who knew Shirley remembers her infectious smile, kind heart, and patient nature. She loved taking photographs, even if it sometimes took a little longer than everyone else hoped, and she treasured preserving family memories through albums and scrapbooks that will be cherished for generations.
Shirley is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Dennis R. Thompson; her children, Todd Thompson (Linda Drontle) and Amy (Danen) Shiek; her grandchildren, Lindsey (Ryan) Rossman, Calen Shiek, Haley Shiek, and Rachel Thompson; her great-grandchildren, Raylan and Ryker Rossman; and her sister, LaVerne Dehler, age 91.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George H. Dehler and Monica M. Dehler (Hansen); and her brothers, Fred Dehler, Ralph Dehler, and Richard Dehler.
A funeral service will be held at St. Boniface Church on Friday, August 28, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will take place after the service. All are welcome.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Quiet Oaks Hospice House for the compassionate care and comfort they provided. While Shirley’s presence will be deeply missed, her love, warmth, generosity, and beautiful smile will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Arrangements are with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.
