Shirley Eckley

Shirley Mae Eckley, 71, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, December 29, 2011, at Essentia Health in Fargo, North Dakota. She was born September 2, 1940, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of Max and Sylvia (Haarstick) Kronemann. She was baptized and confirmed at the First Lutheran Church and graduated from Fergus Falls High in 1958. Shirley worked for the County Health Department and the Broen Home. On October 22, 1960 she married Gary Eckley at the First Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls. Gary was stationed in the Minot Air Force base where the couple lived until 1962 when they returned to Fergus Falls. In 1965 they moved to Fergus Falls Township, where they’ve lived since. In 1984 she began working for the City of Fergus Falls, at the Liquor Store, retiring in 2005. Shirley was a member of the First Lutheran Church and a former 4-H member; she followed her children and grandchildren in their sports, school activities and 4-H. Most of all, she loved her grandchildren. She also loved her pets, as well as cooking, baking and fishing. Preceded in death by her parents, a baby girl in 1961; a sister-in-law Helen Kronemann. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Gary; one daughter: Renee (John Garrett) Eckley. Two sons: Brant Eckley and Derek (Tammy) Eckley, all of Fergus Falls, MN. Seven grandchildren: Jessica (Jason) Dunn, Krysta (Lucas) Hulne, Teasha Eckley, Drew Eckley, Quinn Eckley, Stephanie Niles and Stacy Niles; two great grandchildren: Meredith and Madelyn Dunn. One brother Donald Kronemann of Cloquet, MN; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to donor's choice.