Date of Birth: February 13, 1937
Date of Death: October 2, 2023
Shirley Joyce Ulmer was called to her heavenly home on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, comforted with her two daughters by her side. Her last journey of life was spent as a resident of St. Paul Lutheran Home in Melville for three years.
Shirley was the youngest of nine children, born Feb. 13, 1937, to Katharina and Konrad Stoll on the family farm near Neudorf. She attended a country school and was taught German at a very young age.
Shirley met the love of her life, Adam, and they were united in marriage on Oct. 21, 1955, in Neudorf. They settled on Adam’s family farm four miles east of Duff and raised four children. Shirley was a hardworking farmer’s wife and made sure that all the chores were done at the end of each day. She always found the time to plant a large garden and shared with others what was grown. She volunteered at the Duff Museum and participated in all the Duff Sports events, from softball to curling. Shirley was a member of and actively involved with Zion Lutheran Church for many years. She loved to sing with the church choir, the German choir and the Christmas cantatas. She served as a secretary for the church, was a helping hand for Communion and a volunteer with the vacation bible school instructors.
After retiring off the farm in 1998, and moving to Melville, Shirley volunteered at St. Paul Lutheran Home for over 20 years helping out with the residents. She walked many a mile on those volunteer days. She also volunteered at the Thrift Store and served as president for a number of years.
Shirley was a talented seamstress, sewing many bridesmaid dresses for family and friends and outfits for grandchildren. She also enjoyed crocheting tablecloths, doilies, baby outfits and Christmas tree ornaments for all.
Shirley was rewarded with many trophies in her lifetime with softball, curling and bowling. She was an avid fan and supporter of the Melville Millionaires hockey and baseball teams. She would record the stats on each player throughout the season and would not miss an “out-of-town” game on the radio.
Shirley leaves to cherish and celebrate her memory: daughters Sharlene (Garth) Minto and Delene (Neall) Carmen; sons Blair (Colleen) Ulmer and Garnell (Kim) Ulmer; grandchildren Brendan (Luci Kwak) Minto, Kierra (Brian) Gottfried, Logan (Amy) Minto, Landon (Kristen) Minto, Dustin (Jordyn Leib-Minto) Minto, Jaime Carmen, Nathan (Becky Kozalk) Ulmer, Nicolas Ulmer, Mackenzie Ulmer and Lucas Ulmer; great-grandchildren Adam, Jackson and Collins Gottfried, Koah, Jovie and Kyler Minto, Remi Minto, Jevaeh and Jahzion Ulmer-Taylor; sisters-in-law Clara Stoll and Sue Stoll; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Adam; sisters Winnie (Karl) Stoll, Emma (Reinhold) Senft, Lillian (Alfred) Senft and Addie (Elmer) Senft; brothers Wilbert (Doreen) Stoll, Lloyd (Delores) Stoll, Herb Stoll and Len Stoll; sisters-in-law Gertrude Niebergall, Shirley (Lloyd) Cowan and Sylvia (Wally) Lumb.
Shirley’s funeral service was held Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church, Melville, with the Rev. Lowell Dennis officiating. Interment took place in the Melville City Cemetery.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
