Shirley Ann Mau

Shirley Ann (Kahl) Mau, age 81, of Lake Elmo, MN, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025 after a long journey with Alzheimer's disease. Born December 11, 1943, in Prairie Farm, WI, to Bennie and Lenore Kahl, Shirley was the valedictorian of her class and married the love of her life, Barry Mau, on June 12,1965. That December, they moved to Fort Irwin, California, returning to Minnesota in October 1968 to raise their two children.
Shirley's career included roles at Prairie Farm Bank, Traveler's Insurance, Lutheran Brotherhood, 3M, stay-at-home Mom, Caren Charles, and St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Yet her true calling was teaching. Though she never held a formal teaching certificate, Shirley was a teacher at heart. She taught English to GI's at Fort Irwin, authored and taught an adult Christian education course at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, later adapting it for children. She taught Sunday School and volunteered countless hours in elementary schools, helping children learn to read well into her retirement.
Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Shirley was an active member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church for many years, where she shared her gifts through teaching, service, and fellowship. She lived out her faith through compassion, advocacy, and a deep commitment to justice-volunteering for the DFL, the Obama Campaign, and the League of Women Voters.
Shirley and Barry shared a love of travel, enjoying family road trips when their children were young and later exploring cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska as well as visiting New York, Hawaii, Mexico, England, Italy, and France (frequently with close friends.) They also cherished spending many winters at their home in Naples, Florida.
In retirement, Shirley embraced grandmotherhood with joy. She adored her grandchildren and they adored her right back. Whether playing games, visiting the zoo, shopping for shoes, baking cookies, or reading stories, she filled their lives with love and laughter.
Preceded in death by her parents, Bennie and Lenore Kahl. Survived by her loving husband Barry of Lake Elmo; daughter Kris (Brian) Christensen of Woodbury; son Peter (Lauren) Mau of Roseville; grandchildren Evan Christensen, Casey Christensen, Ephraim (Anisa) Mau, Elijah Mau, and Esther Mau; and many loving family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church on Monday, December 15th at 11 am with visitation one hour prior. Memorials preferred to Union Gospel Mission or Second Harvest Heartland. Shirley's family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Arbor Glen/New Perspectives Lake Elmo and Brighton Hospice for their loving care.
Shirley lived her life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and servant of God. Her faith guided every step, and she shared that faith generously through teaching, service, and love. Today, we take comfort in knowing she has heard the words: "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21). Her legacy of kindness, learning, and unwavering faith will live on in all who knew her.