Shirley M. Schroeder

Shirley’s services will be livestreamed below

Funeral Service:

Prayer Service:

Shirley Mae Schroeder, aged 81, passed away safely into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 21, 2025, after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

She is survived by her children: Mary (Kenneth) Quanbeck of McVille, ND, David (Jen) Schroeder of Devils Lake, ND, and Karen (Brent) Lougheed of Fargo, ND; eight grandchildren: Scott (Ellen) Quanbeck, Jacob (Taylor) Quanbeck, Meghan (Mason) Mitchell, Christopher Lougheed, Anne Lougheed, Justin, Wesley, and Josie Schroeder; two great-grandchildren: Levi and Lydia Quanbeck; siblings: Patricia Groven, Dale (Julie) Gallagher, Gail (David) Williams, and John (Lorelei) Gallagher; and several beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Schroeder; parents: Nyle and Alma (Bjornhei) Gallagher; brothers: Neal, Jack, and infant Ralph Gallagher; in-laws: Dennis Groven, Debbie Gallagher, Henry and Charlotte (Broszeit) Schroeder, Roscoe and Lily (Collins) Schroeder, Joseph and Edith (Schroeder) Schnell; and infant great-granddaughter, Mara Mitchell.

She was born on May 17, 1944 in Woodworth, ND. The eldest of eight, Shirley grew up on the family farm in Vashti, ND. She attended the Vashti Foothills School and graduated from Pingree High School in 1962.

Shirley attended Valley City State College in Valley City, ND from 1963-1965. She met the love of her life, Donald Schroeder, on a blind date in 1964. They married September 17, 1965 at Pingree Lutheran Church. They made their homes in Portland, ND, Galesburg, ND, and Harwood, ND, following Don’s work for KXJB.

Shirley had a gift working with children, operating a daycare out of her home in Harwood for several years. Although she loved caring for children out of her home, she made a promise to her mom that she would one day go back to school. In the fall of 1984, Shirley enrolled at Moorhead State University and graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Education in 1988. She taught third grade for 17 years at Park Christian School in Moorhead, MN. Upon retirement, Don and Shirley moved to McVille, ND. She worked at the Nelson County Nursing Home in McVille when Don was a resident there, so they could spend time together. She moved to New Perspective in West Fargo in 2021, following Don’s passing on October 7, 2020.

She was active in church, participating in WMF, serving on the church council, and teaching Sunday School and VBS. She and Don were active in Gideons International for 38 years, holding various offices. Shirley was a devout believer, who often ended conversations by asking, “How can I pray for you?”

Shirley had a deep passion for singing. She was a vocal soloist, and she and Don frequently sang duets. Shirley was active in church choir no matter where she lived, and most recently was part of the Sing from Your Heart Chorus in Fargo, ND, alongside her siblings. Family sing-a-longs were a regular activity in her household. Shirley loved reading and was on the building committee for the McVille Library. She enjoyed “cooking up a storm”, but most of all being with her family, often planning for the next get-together. She was deeply cherished by all who knew her.

The family sends a special thank you to the staff at Ethos Hospice for their support and care.

Memorials can be sent to Gideons International, Ethos Hospice, or Sing from your Heart.

PRAYER SERVICE: Thursday, September 25, 2025, 6 PM at Boulger Funeral Home. Visitation one hour prior.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Friday, September 26, 2025, 10 AM at Boulger Funeral Home. Visitation one hour prior.
INTERNMENT: Friday, September 26, 2025, 3 PM at New Luther Valley Cemetery, rural McVille ND.