Shirley Mae Loehr

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 10, 2022 at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in St. Cloud. Shirley will be laid to rest with her beloved husband Al at the Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery located in Little Falls Minnesota.

The visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud.  

Shirley Mae Loehr has gained her wings. Shirley was unexpectedly taken from us November 20^th, 2021 after developing a severe complication post a medical procedure. Her family was by her side. Our hearts will be forever broken. Our lives will never be the same. Our world truly lost a beautiful soul, light and spirit. Shirley lived her life to the fullest every day. Her famous line was she wanted to always stay a few steps ahead of our Lord so he couldn’t find her. Shirley was a hard worker retiring at the young age of 89. Shirley loved her job and patients at the Coborn’s Cancer Center. Shirley’s smile and endless energy were infectious. Many patients shared they would change their chemo days to ensure Shirley was there to comfort them. She was the bright light who touched and inspired many over her 90 plus years. Her friendships lasted a lifetime. Shirley was also devoted to her family most recently taking her very first RV road trip along the east coast beach towns with her daughter and two sons. She just loved it and the fresh seafood.

Shirley was there to raise her baby sister Norma Jean when she lost her parents at a young age. Shirley possessed a strong unbreakable faith that she emulated through serving her community. Shirley was proud of her dedication in achieving 5000 plus hours as a volunteer for the Saint Cloud Hospital baking cookies for the oncology patients. Shirley also provided years of service and support through Saint John Cantius church choir, funeral lunches, Ladies of Isabella, Rosary Sodality and bazaars. Shirley, also volunteered countless hours through RSVP. You may have seen her waving her bright yellow flag down by Lake George guiding all the band buses for the annual Granite City Days.

Shirley had a big heart in her support for families in need through the Catholic Charities food and clothing drives. Shirley also was an avid supporter and believer in our Whitney Senior Center. Everyone knew they could always count on Shirley to help out. Shirley always appreciated beautiful music. She was part of the Sweet Adeline’s and also attended countless musicals and concerts of her favorite artists as well as her talented grandchildren. Shirley was also a life time member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 4847 Saint Cloud Minnesota. 

Shirley was born January 3^rd, 1931 to Lawrence and Marie (Osmanski) Raden. She married her sailor and love of her life Alcuin (Al) G Loehr June 10^th 1950 at Saint Augustine’s Catholic Church, Saint Cloud Minnesota. She graduated from Tech High School in 1949. Shirley’s work history started at Lakeland Bakery then several years in the customer service department at Sears and the Coborn’s Cancer Center.

Shirley loved to spend family time at their lake cottage on Grand Lake with the grand kids. Shirley loved to cook and always put on quite the spread especially for the Holidays. Shirley was an avid baker. Her cookies, bars and nut breads were frequently requested. Shirley loved yard work. You could always count on Shirley to be pushing her lawnmower Wednesday nights so she could get the grass clippings out on Thursday. Shirley’s love for flowers was evident in the flower she wore every day that she worked at the Coborn’s Cancer Center. It was her signature along with her crazy socks. It was her way to provide cheer to her patients. Her flower gardens and Hibiscus were always the talk of the neighborhood. Shirley never did share how she got her flowers to bloom so brilliantly.

At the age of 89 Shirley relocated for the first time outside the state of Minnesota to Fredericksburg Va August 14^th 2020 to live with her daughter Debra (Eisenstadt) and son-in-law Michael. She loved being able to walk every day and experience the beautiful weather, vast hills, valleys and lush vegetation. Shirley enjoyed her two custom made patio’s where she could read, listen to her radio and converse with neighbors.

Shirley is survived by her children, Wayne Loehr, Cynthia Jameson (Fred Jelinski partner), Debra (Michael) Eisenstadt and Peter (Carole) Loehr and sister Marlene (Richard) Holthaus. Shirley was blessed with eight beautiful and talented grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband Al, sister Norma Jean Mayer and four brothers Lawrence Jr, Gerald, Marvin, and Kenny.

To honor Shirley and in lieu of flowers take a moment to share how Shirley impacted your life and then pay it forward. Pray she has eternal rest. Memorials and prayer requests can be sent to the Poor Clare’s Monastery 421 4^th Street South, Sauk Rapids Mn 56379.

 Composed by Debra Eisenstadt