Age 88, of Inver Grove Heights, MN
Passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Easter morning. Shirley was born the youngest of six children on Sept. 9, 1932 in South St. Paul to George & Nellie Anderson. She enjoyed swimming, diving and basketball in her youth.At the age of 19, Shirley married LeRoy “Sonny” Willenbring with whom she spent the next 68 years, and had seven children. She enjoyed gardening, ceramics, and was a member of the Bar Naught square dance club 
for over 25 years. Shirley worked for Unisys in Eagan and the Met Council in St. Paul. Sonny and Shirley were active members at Church of St. Patrick in Inver Grove Heights where she helped with Christmas plays, car shows, hospitality and marriage mentoring. She also volunteered extensively for Council of Catholic Women. Her beloved daughter, Nancy Jean, who passed away in 1960 at the age of five from brain cancer, welcomed her to Heaven. Nancy was a comforting angel for Shirley, especially during her final week. Preceded in death areShirley’s five siblings: Hazel Thomas, Eileen Carlton, Lenore Wagenknecht, Leroy “Bud” Anderson and Loretta Johnson. She is survived by her caring husband Sonny, and her children Deborah Sundahl, David (Helen) Willenbring, Douglas (Carolyn) Willenbring, Donald Willenbring, Denise Willenbring and Dale (Karyn) Willenbring. Shirley’s 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild were a source of great pride.Her family loved her dearly.Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 10th, 4-7pm at Robert’s Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights with the Vigil Service at 6:30pm. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 3pm on Sunday, April 11th at Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd, St., Inver Grove Heights.