Shirley A. Wothe

   Shirley Ann Wothe, age 89, a long time Park Rapids, MN area resident, peacefully entered eternity on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga, MN surrounded by her loved ones.    Shirley was born on April 20, 1928 in Lakeview Township of Becker County, MN to William and Anne (Lind) Wagner. She attended the Lakeview Township Country School through the 6th grade and then went on to attend high school in Detroit Lakes where she graduated with the Class of 1946. As a young woman, Shirley gained employment with the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company where she worked as a telephone operator. On April 16, 1950, Shirley was united in marriage to Albert H. Wothe at the Zion Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. Their marriage was blessed with six children: James, Scott who died tragically at two years of age, Debbie, Dennis, Patrick, and Pam. Shirley dedicated herself to making a loving home for her husband and children. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her delicious fried chicken, potatoes and gravy, goulash with her own garden fresh tomatoes, brownies and her famous homemade pickles, canned peaches, pears and tomatoes and an abundance of jams and jellies. In 1957, she and Al purchased the Park Rapids Paint and Glass Store where she was part of the team as bookkeeper, a role she did meticulously for many years. She would spend all day at the lake with the kids and stay up late at night doing book work. Shirley also enjoyed planting a large vegetable garden each spring which she nurtured into fruitful abundance to preserve for her growing family. In addition, she raised colorful flowers for all to see and enjoy. She would often work late into the night sewing clothes for her daughters or great grandchildren. In 1980, they retired from the store and eldest son, James took over its ownership and operation assisted by his brother, Dennis. During retirement, Shirley enjoyed golfing with Al and was a member of the Headwaters Golf Club. They also enjoyed spending their winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama, Texas and Florida. Shirley was a long time and faithful member of St. Johns Lutheran Church where she was active in the ministry of the Ladies Aid and Evening Guild. She enjoyed playing cards and looked forward to playing regularly with a group of friends. As her circle of friends grew older she was always ready to help others with rides to the doctor or to go shopping. She endured the heartbreaking losses of her little son, Scott, great granddaughter Bali, and her husband sustained by her deep faith and knowledge that she would see them all again for all eternity in heaven.     She will be lovingly remembered by her five children: James (Suzanne) Wothe , Debbie (Jim) Swenson and Dennis (Karla) Wothe all of Park Rapids; Patrick (Debra) Wothe of Meldrim, Georgia and Pam (Kent) Brock of Park Rapids; 13 grandchildren: Justin (Aysen) Wothe, Christopher (Anna) Wothe, Sasha (Joe) Hicks, Heather (Darin) Hafner, Tiffany (Brian) Halbasch, Justin Long, Casey Long, Daniel Wothe, Rebecca Lee, Bridgette (Will) Smith, Korey (Tessa) Brock, Kristen (Ryan) Zemek and Brittney (Justin) Brock; 18 great grandchildren: Ella, Adelyn, Chelby and Eden Wothe, Halle and Hogan Hicks, Hayden and Eli Hafner, Ali and Shae Halbasch, Mackenzie Brock and Adrian Smith, Bohdi Brock and Mason Palmer, Brady Brock, Andrew and Owen Zemek and Jonah Clark; one sister, Jeanne Dahring of Perham; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Scott; her husband, Al in 2008 and two brothers: Alan and Ron: great-granddaughter Bali Lynn: and step-grandson Chris Lee.    Visitation will be held 6 PM to 8 PM Sunday, August 13, 2017 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, and will continue beginning one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.   Funeral services will be held 11 AM Monday, August 14, 2017 at the St Johns Lutheran Church in Park Rapids with the Rev. James Neubauer officiating. The organist will be Sarah Kaufenberg. The soloist, Kirk Brock will sing, “How Great Thou Art”. The casket bearers will be all of Shirley’s grandchildren. The honorary casket bearers will be all of Shirley’s great grandchildren. Interment will be made next to her husband, Albert at the Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Following the interment a luncheon will be hosted by her church family for all.  To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com