Shirley Ann (Saue) Sundlee

Shirley Sundlee, 89, of Willmar, died Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.  Her memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 22, at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.  The service will also be streamed at https://youtube.com/live/GEpCGgWPkzo?feature=share.  Memorials are preferred to CentraCare Hospice.  Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org.

Shirley Ann Sundlee was born June 28, 1935, in Montevideo, Minnesota, to Clifford and Avanell (Anderson) Saue.  She grew up in Montevideo and graduated from Montevideo High School in 1953.  Shirley married Merrill Sundlee on October 17, 1953, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Montevideo.  Shirley worked at a dental office in Montevideo, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and later in the resource center at Montevideo High School.  Merrill and Shirley retired in 1996 and moved to Willmar. 

While living in Willmar, Shirley volunteered at Vinje Lutheran Church and Rice Memorial Hospital for many years.  She was a gifted quilter and donated several of her quilts for the church quilt auction.  She enjoyed playing cards and was an excellent bridge player.  Shirley was also a wonderful baker and was especially known for her lefse and kringla, which her grandchildren loved.  She loved spending time with her family and watching her grandchildren’s sporting events and activities.  She was also an avid sports fan of all of the Minnesota teams.  

Shirley is survived by her daughter: Pam (Chris) Meinert of Willmar; two grandsons: Justin (Lindsey) Nelson of Delano and Brett (Leslie) Nelson of Melissa, TX; two step-granddaughters: Nicole Plowman of Willmar and Danielle (Zach) Zondervan of Willmar; and nine great-grandchildren: Mila and Evie Nelson; Bergen, Collins, Hilde and Jens Nelson; and Cayson, Holden and Rowan Plowman.  Also surviving are two sisters:  Janice (Doug) Boike of Clara City and Karen (Gary) Voss of Marshall; and several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Merrill in 2009; two sons: Mark in 2011 and Larry in infancy; two brothers: Dale Saue and Richard Saue; and three sisters: Gail Saue in infancy, Sharon Jensen and Carol Waters.

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