Watch Shirley's Funeral Service

Shirley Thielke, age 74, of Ulen, MN, died on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Bethany on University in Fargo, ND.

Shirley Ann, the daughter of Frederick and Margaret (Anderson) Ament, was born on March 23, 1948, in Fargo, ND.  She spent the first years of her life living in West Fargo, ND where she attended elementary school.  When she was in the eighth grade, the family moved to Audubon, MN.  After graduating from Audubon High School with the class of 1966, Shirley began working at a bakery in Detroit Lakes, MN. Through a mutual friend, Shirley met Donald Thielke, and a short six months later the couple was united in marriage on June 1, 1969.  They purchased a farm near Ulen, MN, where they made their home together.  In 1971, they welcomed their son, William, into the world.  Shirley was an active farmwife and mother. She worked alongside Donald and helped with all areas of the farm. She also drove beet and silage trucks for neighboring farms.  Shirley devoted much time to Hagen Township where she served as treasure and an election judge for many years.   She was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Twin Valley where she often volunteered. Shirley loyally helped with ladies aide, Sunday school, and many other church projects.  She was always available to help however she could.  After Donald's death in 2008, Shirley remained at home on the farm until 2012.  She then moved into the Valley Pines apartments in Twin Valley where she lived for about two years.  As her vision quality decreased, she moved Eventide Living Center in Moorhead, MN, to be closer to her son.  Two months ago, she entered the Bethany Care Center.  In years past, Shirley enjoyed crocheting and quilting. She spent many hours quilting with her friends from church.  More recently, she cherished quiet time with family. She treasured her son and her precious granddaughter, Ella.

Shirley is survived by her son, Bill of Moorhead; her granddaughter, Ella Thielke of Lengby, MN; two sisters: Barb Ulven of Valley City, ND, and Jean Blanchard of Moorhead; three brothers: Chuck (Kathleen) Ament of Centralia, WA, Bill (Judy) Ament of Valley City, and Les (Shirley) Ament of Wolverton, MN; one brother-in-law, John Pryor of Wichita, KS; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sisters, Deloris Pryor and Margaret Senger; and brothers-in-law, Frank Senger, Charley Ulven, and Ken Blanchard.