Shirley Ann Hulst

Shirley Ann Hulst, 88, of Willmar, died Monday, January 13th at Carris Health Rice Hospital in Willmar. Her funeral will be 10:30 am, Friday, January 17th at United Methodist Church in Willmar. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm, Thursday at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to her service at the church on Friday. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home. www.hafh.org

Shirley Ann Hulst was born on April 3, 1931, to Harold “Sparrow” and Florence (Lipsit) Peterson in Willmar. She grew up in the Willmar where she attended Willmar Public Schools, graduating in 1949. On June 21, 1958, Shirley was united in marriage to Wayne Hulst in Sioux City, IA. Shirley received the best wedding present from Wayne which was Shureen (10), Roxanne (8) and Dawn (5). While Wayne was on the railroad, they lived in many different areas including Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. After his retirement Shirley and Wayne moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico to be closer to their family. Shirley was involved with many different organizations. She was the Seniors Golf President of over 100 seniors, Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, President of P.T.A, head of absentee ballots starting during John F. Kennedy’s Campaign, was a National Delegate for Hubert H. Humphrey, and worked for many other Democratic candidates during her lifetime.  She was also President of the American Legion Auxiliary in Willmar, President of the Willmar Senior Citizens Club, where was named the “Outstanding Senior of 2011.” Shirley enjoyed politics, fishing, traveling, golfing, bowling, playing cards, and especially spending as much time as she could with her family.

Shirley is survived by her daughters: Shureen (Paul) Kartchner of Carlsbad, NM, and Dawn (Gene) Hickson of Midlotian, TX; sisters: Carol “Snooky” Gores of Willmar, and Lorelee “Tiny” Olson of Willmar;  10 grandchildren: Patrick (Tonya), Sarah (Ray), Todd (Jeannie), Trent (Dametra), Austin, Ilia, Aubree (David) Cody, Kiersten, Sundance (Lila); 13 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren; many loved nieces and nephews and special mention of love to Mary Puckett, Leanne Freeman, Sue Ripley and Mari Jackson.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; parents; daughter, Roxanne Kartchner; brother, Bob (Sheila) Peterson; baby brother, Merlin Gene Peterson; nephew, Mike Peterson; and baby granddaughter, Jennifer Koopman.

Shirley’s family gives their heartfelt loving thanks to neighbors, friends and family for their kindness and support.

A special thank you to Rice Hospice, especially Shelly, RN., Shelly, CNA, and Gina, SW. They also thank Pastor Jeff and Susan and staff at United Methodist Church and also Harvey Anderson Funeral Home.   

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Ann Hulst, please visit our floral store.