Gilman Shirley

Gilman Morvil Shirley, 96, a resident of rural Rothsay, died Tuesday, January 29, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Center in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. He was born December 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 December 17, 1938, he married Helen Ohe at the 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 passed away on November 11, 2003. Gilman was a fun-loving man who usually 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 his 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 Petersen, Keith (Lori) Radtke, Wayne (Michelle) Radtke, Alan (Jessica) Ronngren, Connie (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 - 8:00 p.m. Friday with a 7 p.m. prayer service at Grina Funeral Home in Rothsay, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at South Immanuel Lutheran Church rural Rothsay Clergy:     Reverend Larry N. Olson Interment: South Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery rural Rothsay Funeral Home: Grina Funeral Home in Rothsay Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com