Shirley J. Shaft

1936 - 2025

Northfield - Shirley J. Shaft, 89, passed away peacefully, on November 10th, 2025. She leaves behind a life filled with family, service, and love. She was born on March 22nd, 1936, in Faribault, Minnesota, to Russell and Luverna (Reim) Johnson.

Shirley grew up just across the street from the original Faribault Golf & Country Club, where her passion for golf took root. Some of her earliest memories trace back to age four, riding alongside greenskeeper "Grandpa Ed" and trailing her bare feet through the freshly cut fairways. Her father found a partial set of wooden clubs and carefully shortened them so she could play. She improvised and used a 5-iron as her putter. Once old enough to babysit, Shirley saved to buy her own clubs, while her mother worked extra hours to buy her a golf bag. By her teenage years, Shirley was competing in Minnesota State Championships, a testament to both her talent and determination.

In 1957, Shirley married Stewart N. Shaft, and together they began building a life and a family while completing their degrees at Stout State College in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Shirley graduated in 1959 with a degree in Home Economics Education, a fitting foundation for her lifelong commitment to nurturing others. Their family grew to include six children, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Shirley's calendar was a patchwork of football, basketball, baseball and softball games, track and swim meets, theater, choir, band and orchestra concerts all stitched together by endless miles and unwavering support as she followed the pursuits of her family.

Service wasn't just something Shirley did, it was woven into the fabric of her life. She gave generously of her time and spirit, touching countless lives through organizations that embodied her sense of purpose and personal devotion. Among her favorites were P.E.O. International, North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners, St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Meals on Wheels, and Scouting. Her dedication to community and care left a lasting impact.

Over the years, Shirley and Stewart shared their home with many beloved dogs. In the 1990s, they discovered their favorite breed, the Bichon Frise. Shirley's enthusiasm for the breed led them into the world of dog shows, where their cherished Bichon, Marceau, competed at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden, in New York City. A proud moment. In her later years, the last of their nine Bichons, Brady, was a loving companion and constant comfort.

In addition to her love of golf, Shirley was an avid fan of both college, NBA, and WNBA basketball, cheering on her Golden State Warriors and Indiana Fever, and she absolutely loved March Madness. Sports brought her a special connection with her sister Gwen and nephew Bob, making game days especially memorable.

Shirley's family extends heartfelt gratitude to her extraordinary caregivers: Debb Valentyn, the staff of Elysian Senior Homes of Northfield, Minnesota Hospice, Millstream Commons, and all who provided love, care, and support over the past few years. Shirley's life was a beautiful blend of family, faith, friendship, and service. She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her husband, Stewart Shaft; their 5 children: Michael (Lonnie) Shaft, Marc (Pam) Shaft, Scot (Susan) Shaft, Stewart Shaft, Jr., and Shari (Bart) Sneary. She is lovingly remembered by Tina Abraham, a soul Shirley loved as a daughter. Shirley's spirit lives on through her nine grandchildren: Miranda Shaft, Madison (Justin) Hope, Natalie (Branden) Schorr, Lauren (Michael) Scholl, Grant (Erica) Shaft, Garrett (Emily) Shaft, Katelin Shaft, Elijah Sneary, Parker Sneary, five great-grandchildren: Link Hope, Dean and Claire Shaft, and Bennett and Theodore Shaft. Fondly remembering her are brother-in-law, Frank Theisen, and sister-in-law, Carroll Springmeyer. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Bob (Regina) Theisen, Deb (Keith Bengtson) Theisen, Dianne (Patrick Pedersen) Pacolt, Steven Pacolt, Stanley (Gail) Pacolt, and Victoria and Patricia Owusu, who were loved as grandchildren.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, sister Gwendolyn Theisen, and her son Martin Shaft.

Shirley loved to throw a party and long expressed her desire that one be held after she passed. In honoring her wishes, a come-and-go Celebration Gathering will be held on Saturday, December 20th, from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 418 Sumner St E, Northfield, Minnesota. This will be a time of food, fun, and fellowship!

Those wishing to honor Shirley may consider a gift to one of the following organizations that held special meaning for her:

Chapter FR, MN Scholarship Fund (P.E.O. International)

Online: peo-portal.com/donations

By mail:

P.E.O. Executive Office

Treasurer's Department

3700 Grand Avenue

Des Moines, IA 50312

*Checks payable to Chapter FR, MN Scholarship Fund

St. Peter's Lutheran Church

Northfield, Minnesota

Notes for the family may be mailed to 204 7th St W, #209, Northfield, MN 55057