Shirley Jean Lindberg

Shirley was born on Father's Day, June 16, 1946 in Minneapolis to Irene and Wilford Anderson. Although her arrival was undoubtably the best Father's Day surprise, her dad received another surprise when the fountain pen he received from the hospital for becoming a new dad leaked in his pocket-ruining his best church shirt and coat that day and becoming a significant part of the retelling of her birth story. Shirley had the privilege of growing up in St. Louis Park Evangelical Free Church, founded the year she was born, with her parents as charter members. Although she was an only child, she was a church kid through and through, beginning early by being the first baby on the St. Louis Park Evangelical Free Cradle Roll. At age three, much to her mother's embarrassment, she let the entire Women's Missions Fellowship group know that she was "aproaked," or provoked, because she remained an only child.
Shirley stayed active at church through the youth group, and at age 13 she met Denny, a 17 year old who came to check it out with his friends and never left. Youth group often met in the basement of Shirley's Webster Avenue home, giving her parents plenty of time to get to know the young man who caught her eye as she got older.
Shirley graduated from St. Louis Park High School in '64 and was engaged to Denny in the wintertime following her eighteenth birthday. The couple suggested a Christmastime wedding. Thankfully, a dear friend of her parents saw their reaction and tactfully suggested a Valentine's Day wedding instead, allowing Irene and Willie a couple of additional months to adjust to the engagement of their only child.
Denny and Shirley were married on February 12, 1966 and remained happily married until Denny went home to the Lord in 2010. Their first house on Salem Avenue in St. Louis Park was home until they made one big move, moving into the house next door as their family grew. Shirley had the joy of staying home and raising her sons, Scott, Brian, Brad and Gregg. She spent these years helping Denny grow his accounting and tax practice and attending a multitude of tee ball, baseball, soccer and basketball games for the boys. She diligently prayed for them through a neighborhood mom's prayer group until well after her youngest finished college.
Shirley always used her time and many talents to bless others. Her favorite recipients of her knitting, quilting and sewing were her eleven grandchildren, who have many wonderful keepsakes as a result. They were the delight of her life, and she never tired of spending time with them on "grandma dates," supporting them at concerts, plays, sports, and baptisms.
Shirley gave her life to Jesus as a young child and faithfully, selflessly followed in His footsteps to serve others daily. Her faith shaped who she became and how she spent her time. She remained steadfast in her convictions and sought to graciously share the gospel, even with the hospice nurses toward the end of her life.
She lived her life as an act of worship, submitting to Jesus even in her battle with cancer. She said many times she hoped that by your being here today, you would have a deeper understanding of not only her faith, but the person of Jesus and how much he meant to her. She couldn't wait to see him face to face, and finally has, going home on April 27, 2025.
Preceded in death by parents Wilford and Irene Anderson, husband Dennis, son Scott Lindberg and sister-in-law Diane Hedlund.
Survived by her sons and their families: daughter-in law Kate, grandchildren Franziska and Arlo, son Brian and his wife Cari, grandchildren Greta, Wilson and Henry; son Brad and his wife Mary, grandchildren Lucy, Anna and Maggie; son Gregg and his wife Amy, grandchildren Haley, Anders and Hannah. Brother-in-law Thomas; nephew Tim Hedlund and his wife Molly; and niece, Sarah Hedlund.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, May 6th at Park Community Church, 6805 Minnetonka Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55426. Lunch will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers please donate in Shirley's memory to the Park Community Church Planted Building Campaign.