Shirley Smith

Shirley Smith, age 96, of St. Paul, MN, formerly of Milbank, SD, passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025, at The Shores of Lake Phalen Assisted Living in Maplewood, MN.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Pascal Baylon Catholic Church in St. Paul, MN. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church on Thursday. Interment will take place on Friday, August 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery in Milbank, SD.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and will be viewable at the bottom of this page.

Shirley Marie (McLane) Smith was born on December 28, 1928, in Graceville, MN, to George and Marguerite (Perron) McLane. She spent her formative years on the family farm, cultivating a love for the land and community.

Shirley attended country school before graduating with the Class of 1946 from Browns Valley High School. Following her graduation, she moved to St. Paul, MN, where she began her professional journey at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as a telephone operator.

Shirley was united in marriage with Leonard L. Pelzel and the two made their home in St. Paul, MN. After Shirley and Leonard retired, they moved to Harlingen, TX, until his passing in 1982. Her heart always held a special place for the beauty of her Minnesota roots so eventually, Shirley settled in Milbank, SD, where she met her second husband, Lloyd D. Smith. On April 13, 1985, Shirley was united in marriage with Lloyd.

A spirited individual, Shirley found joy in a myriad of pastimes. She thoroughly enjoyed engaging her mind with puzzles, eagerly participated in games of Bingo, and cherished playing the card game "500." Her love for country western dancing allowed her to express her zest for life, while fishing on Big Stone Lake brought her peace and tranquility. Shirley’s adventurous spirit led her to travel to Mexico, creating lasting memories in the vibrant culture of the South. Most of all, Shirley delighted in the companionship of her family and friends.

In her later years, Shirley found pleasure in word find puzzles and watching the Minnesota Twins, demonstrating her unwavering connection to her heritage and passions.

Shirley is survived by her many nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed and eternally remembered.

Preceding her in death were her parents; first husband, Leonard; second husband, Lloyd; sisters: Phyllis Haanen, Georgia Zietlow, Kathryn Wyman, Elizabeth Hedrick, and Patricia Dusing; and brothers: George “Buzz” McLane, Jr., and Robert “Bob” McLane.

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