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Shirley A. (Walstrom) Furr

Shirley A. (Walstrom) Furr

MARQUETTE — Shirley Ann (Walstrom) Furr, 82, of Marquette, was granted her angel wings on Monday, Jan. 14, at home surrounded by her loving family.

Shirley was born in Aurora, Wis., on April 2, 1936, daughter of the late Albert and Anne Walstrom. Shirley graduated from Kingsford High School, Class of 1954.

She retired from a successful career at Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she was a supervisor.

Shirley loved spending time with her friends and family. Shirley enjoyed spending Sunday afternoons watching her beloved Green Bay Packers. Shouting with excitement and frustration at the television during games was always an expectation and occurred consistently. Shirley enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, quilting, and making various handmade gifts for people near and dear to her. Traveling was also a favorite activity of hers. She took her grandchildren on a variety of adventures over the years, including trips to: Hawaii, Six Flags, Wisconsin Dells, the Mall of America, Green Bay, and many other memorable cross-country road trips. She thoroughly enjoyed attending the activities and sporting events of her grandchildren. Family was extremely important to her and she loved hosting cookouts and holiday events at her home.

Shirley was known for her excellent spaghetti dinners, Tuna Mac, and Fruit Salad — which will be missed by many. She loved potluck gatherings and welcomed any excuse to eat out, especially with company. Shirley was a very active member of her church, Bethel Baptist Church of Marquette. She volunteered for Awana, Vacation Bible School, and as a Sunday school teacher. She always made time for others and knew how to make people feel loved and valued. She was a wonderful force of nature and although Heaven has gained an angel, Earth has lost one.

Shirley is survived by two sons, Ron (Terri) Olson of Gwinn and Andy Olson of Marquette; two daughters, Laurie (Jerome) Tengesdahl of Iron Mountain and Diane (Gerald) Demeuse of Marquette; two brothers, James (Yvonne) Walstrom and Bruce (Donna) Walstrom, both of Aurora; and many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Murphy; and two sons, Jay and Kevin Furr.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staffs at UP Health System Marquette and UP Home Health and Hospice for the exceptional quality of care they provided to Shirley. In addition, they would like to thank the EMTs, along with the Chocolay Police and Fire Departments for their part in making it possible for Shirley to return to her home for her journey to Heaven.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 at Bethel Baptist Church in Marquette, with Rev. Hank Steed officiating.

Visitation will be held in the church for one hour prior to the service.

A spring interment will take place at Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial considerations may be directed to Bethel Baptist Church, in memory of Shirley Furr.

The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family and memories of Shirley may be shared at canalefuneral.com.