Shirley Welle, age 92, of Fergus Falls, MN, formerly of Mahnomen, MN, died on Sunday, January 12, 2020, at Pioneer Home Heritage Cottage in Fergus Falls.

Shirley was born December 8, 1927 to Frank and Julia (Blanchard) Winkler in Fosston, MN.  As a child, Shirley lived north east of Mahnomen on her family farm and attended county school and later graduating from the Crookston Ag School.  She was united in marriage to Harvey Welle on June 5, 1945, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu, MN. The couple was blessed with six children and raised their family on a farm east of Mahnomen. Shirley never shied away from hard work as she lovingly raised her children and worked actively on the farm. She also worked at the Pembina Lounge, Pinehurst Resort and the couple owned and operated Welle Apartments in Mahnomen. They welcomed a foster son, David Beaulieu, into their family and raised him as a son. Over the years, Shirley also provided care for many other foster children. In the early 90's, Shirley and Harvey moved to Mahnomen and built a home on Railway Street.

Shirley was a devoted mother and homemaker.  She enjoyed her time gardening, quilting and was active with ARC, the Mahube Board, Catholic Aid and Christian Mothers.  She was a devoted Catholic and a life-long member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Beaulieu.

Shirley is survived by three daughters: Bonnie (Harley) Zimmel of Evansville, MN, Diane (Rodney) Rothschadl of Thief River Falls, MN, and Melinda (Doug) Dewey of Fergus Falls, MN; foster son, David Beaulieu of Mahnomen; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sons-in-law, David Maier and Cletus Geray; one sister, Lorraine Welle of Detroit Lakes, MN; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Harvey; three daughters: infant, Mary Margaret, Geraldine Maier, and Charlene Geray; granddaughter, Amanda Dewey, and many extended family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 17, 2020, at 10:30 am at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen.  Visitation will be held Thursday, January 16 ^th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm with a Prayer Service & Rosary at 6:30 pm at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the funeral at the church.  Burial will be in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Beaulieu MN.