Shirley Ann WANCHENA

1928 - 2014

Shirley Ann WANCHENA obituary, 1928-2014, Mpls, MN

Shirley Ann WANCHENA

1928 - 2014

BORN

1928

DIED

2014

Shirley WANCHENA Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Dec. 11 to Dec. 14, 2014.
Age 86, of Isanti, MN Died peacefully in her home at Pacem In Terris, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in Minneapolis on Jan. 16, 1928. Her journey on Earth was rich in life and love, suffering and joy and always gratitude. The foundation of Shirley's life was built on faith, hope and love, and her most treasured gift was being a mother, first to her children and then to countless others whom she loved with a maternal heart throughout her life. Shirley raised her family with great love and energy and weathered many personal and family sufferings over the years and always came out of them with greater trust and love. The Wanchena home was the hub of extended family, friends and neighbors who came for coffee, meals, holiday celebrations and gatherings of every kind. Her open heart was reflected in the open door that welcomed all who came. After the death of her husband and 37 years on W. 14th Street in St. Louis Park, Shirley embarked on the second part of her life and mission to love and serve, founding the hermitage retreat center Pacem In Terris, which has flourished and brought grace to many in the 27 years since it was opened. She is preceded in death by her loving parents Anna and Ludvig Anderson, husband Victor, a child who died before birth, sons Michael and Jeffrey and sister Arlene Heldt. She is survived by her daughters, Ann Marie Croteau (Mark), Amy Ames (Peter), Lisa Raddatz (Dan), and Veronica Christine Wanchena, daughters-in-law, Patricia, Susan and Ann, fifteen grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, brother Victor Anderson (Phyllis) and sister Kathy Berscheit (Larry), many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Before her passing, Shirley asked that we take comfort in the truth of our oneness in the communion of love. Visitation at KOZLAK-RADULOVICH BLAINE CHAPEL (107th Ave. NE & Hwy. 65) Monday from 5-8 PM with Vigil Prayers at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial at CHURCH OF ST. PAUL (1740 Bunker Lake Blvd. NE, Ham Lake, MN) Tuesday at 11 AM with visitation beginning at 10 AM. Private interment at Gethsemane Cemetery in New Hope, MN. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to: Shirley Wanchena Memoriam c/o Wanchena family P.O. Box 5057 Hopkins, MN 55343; or to Pacem In Terris Founders Fund, c/o Pacem In Terris P.O. Box 418, St. Francis MN 55070 www.kozlakradulovich.com 763-783-1100

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December 25, 2022

Cindy Nichols posted to the memorial.

December 10, 2019

Cynthia Nichols posted to the memorial.

January 7, 2015

Dan Rollins posted to the memorial.

Cindy Nichols

December 25, 2022

She was a wonderful woman and is greatly missed. I loved PACEM and am so glad she built it. I was blessed to meet Shirley. Cindy Nichols

Cynthia Nichols

December 10, 2019

Shirley was a beautiful and giving woman. When I would stay at Pacem, I would love seeing her and talking with her. She was an inspiration! She is missed greatly but Heaven is singing! I miss being able to get to Pacem in Terris now that I live in North Carolina instead of Bloomington, MN. I think of it often. It was such a peaceful place for me. I thank God for Shirley and her vision for Pacem in Terris.

Dan Rollins

January 7, 2015

I was heartbroken this morning when I learned Shirley had passed. I have so many momeories of her. I would stay at Pacem 1-3 times a year for the last 13 years. Just about every time I would find a reason to go from my cabin to the main house to see if she was there, sometimes I would just sit on the couch near the grand fireplace waiting to see if she would walk by so I could catch up with her. Shirley radiated the peace and love of Jesus Christ. Just a quick talk with her would set me at ease... she would always remind me in a silent way, that I can slow down and just be. I am going to continue to go to Pacem, I will always miss Shirley when I do. Everything at Pacem that I can see will be a reminder of the incredible work that God did through this selfless, loving woman. She leaves an incredible legacy. My condolences to her family and the Pacem staff who was the same as family.

Cindy Nichols

January 4, 2015

I loved talking with you when I was a hermit at Pacem in Terris. Your story was inspiring and I will miss your precious face. You have blessed many people in your life.

December 16, 2014

I EMBRACE...PACE BENE...SHE KNOWS............

J.Brian Calva

December 15, 2014

Left to my own devices, I was on a path of self destruction. My future, because of poor choices I continually made, was dark. But Shirley saw things in people as God saw them. Shirley saw the potential in each one of the lives that came within her world. God wasn't going to let go of my life and the lives I might one day touch and neither was she. I owe my current path to her. I really do.
My first experience of a relationship with Jesus was because of her ministry at Good Shepherd church and a band of diverse teenagers who pressed into something called the Holy Spirit and called themselves, simply...Prayer Group. Even as I strayed from that foundation I found my way back because of seed God planted in soil Shirley tilled.
Today, my wife and I are Community Life Pastors at our church and are heavily involved in reconciliation ministry ourselves. I would not be here for God's Flock if she had not been there for me.
I am blessed to have known her and even to visit with her this past year.
I know I will see her agin, praise God!

Julie Raddatz

December 14, 2014

God bless you Grandma Shirley, I love and miss you! <3

Susan Jobe

December 14, 2014

I didn't know Shirley, but she must have been a wonderful lady. I saw the program on TV about Pacem in Terris, and the interview with her. May she rest in the Love and Peace and Joy of Our Lord!

susanFirst Name tessmerLast Name

December 14, 2014

Enter your message here
Shirley was a special child of God who showed his love to many. She would be still and listen to my concerns when I came to pacem. in terrace.
I always felt loved and felt deep peace.Will remember you Shirley.

Julie Raddatz

December 13, 2014

Thank you all so much for your love and prayers, my grandmother was a very kind spirit, and has touched many lives including mine in a special way. I know we will all miss her dearly. Please keep Pacem alive! Never forget her great and empowering life! <3

Shirley

December 13, 2014

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort in the words found at Psalm 36:9.With you is the source of life. The one who gave life to all living creatures is certainly capable of restoring life to someone who has died. So we can be sure to find comfort here in God's words.
Death leaves a heartache only God can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Sue Zappa

December 12, 2014

Shirley had become a substitute mom to me over the years since I first came to Pacem in early 2002. Her words & calls & letters of support, encouragement, & guidance have helped me weather many severe trials these past 12 years. I know her love & spirit will always remain at Pacem. God is the One who's has gained a great treasure by having Shirley with Him! I miss her very much! Praying for her family & the staff at Pacem!

Mary Olson

December 11, 2014

"The way in which we live our lives will echo throughout eternity." Shirley's warm, loving spirit touched so very many lives and she will be remembered with great affection always. I met her over 40 years ago and one of the many things I respected about her was her conviction to go ahead with her dream of Pacem, ignoring all nay-sayers and believing in her passion and calling. What a wonderful example of courage and kindness and love she was to all of us. My love to all of her family.

Mary

December 11, 2014

I will never forget how excited I was to meet Shirley for the first time, and what a privilege it was to be able to visit with her several more times. What an example of stalwart faith! Through her ministry at Pacem in Terris, she touched, and continues to touch, many thousands of lives. Her unfailing kindness, warm hugs, and encouraging words will never be forgotten. She will be greatly missed by those she leaves behind, but Heaven is all the richer for her presence there now.

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Kozlak-Radulovich Funeral Chapel - Blaine Chapel

1385 107th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55434

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Sign Shirley WANCHENA's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 25, 2022

Cindy Nichols posted to the memorial.

December 10, 2019

Cynthia Nichols posted to the memorial.

January 7, 2015

Dan Rollins posted to the memorial.