Shirley Shafer
June 30, 1950 ~ September 3, 2014
Shirley Rae Shafer, 64, Fargo, ND passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at Essentia Health in Fargo. She was born on June 30, 1950 in Inkster, ND to Harvey and Dorothy (Durkin) Lien. She grew up in Fargo and graduated from Shanley High School. Shirley then attended Aakers Business College.
After college, Shirley entered the workforce and began her long career with the Federal Government. She worked at the Nekoma Missile Base in Langdon, before transferring to the Seattle area. Shirley was then employed as an accounting tech at the Naval Base Kitsap in Bangor, WA, where she met her husband, Al. They were united in marriage on June 7, 1980 in Poulsbo, WA. The couple then moved around the world living in Louisiana, Germany, and Kentucky, finally settling in North Dakota in 1988. Shirley then began her employment at the VA Hospital where she worked until retiring due to medical reasons.
Shirley served as the president of the local chapter of NARFE. Her passion was genealogy, spending countless hours researching family history and tracing the family tree back to the 1700s. She loved travelling country with her husband and dogs in their RV and spending time in their pontoon boat. Shirley also enjoyed relaxing with a glass of wine or a cup of Irish coffee.
She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Al; children, Zachary Shafer, Amanda (Donald) Ford, and Michael Shafer; father, Harvey; siblings, Ken (Sherry) Lien; and Dan (Denice) Lien; grandson, Russel Ford; and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy; sister-in-law, Shirley Lien.
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Detroit Lakes Minnesota
I just got back from a trip to Duluth and the North Shore and read the Sunday Forum newspaper. I was so sorry to read Shirley’s obituary. She was a lovely lady who enjoyed genealogy as much as I do. I hope to make a trip to Norway with our Gudbrandsdalslaget group in the next few years and had thought that Shirley and I would spend time together then. When I was at the Tre Lag Stevne in St. Cloud in early August I missed seeing Shirley and Al. Tim and I extend our deepest sympathy to everyone in Shirley’s family.
Fargo North Dakota
I will miss Shirley’s smile and positive attitude. Al and Shirley were special Bingo customers at the American Legion in Moorhead.
We will miss seeing Shirley at Bingo at the Legion. She was always so smiley and positive even with everything she was going through. Thoughts and prayers out to Al and the rest of her family.
Lisbon N.D
.remembering the good times we had together! We will miss her! To the rest of the family, you are in our prayers Sincerely, Larry and Nita
Finley North Dakota
Al, I am so sorry to read about the loss of your wife. I am sure you will miss her alot since I know you were both so close at work. I am sure you had many great moments in your retirement and got to see many places in your motor home. I know she went to a better place now and making preparations for your home in heaven Take care-marilyn-the LPN on ward 3 Main.
and your old neighbor girl down the street on 5th street.
Fargo ND
My sympathy to the Shafer family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in your faith.
cathedral city CAI am sorry that I didn’t know Shirley well in her adult years. However I remember Shirley”s sweet smile and dimples. I will miss you cousin Love Carolyn
Fargo ND
Our sympathies to the Shafter family. I enjoyed working with Shirley in medical records. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by many.
Dilworth, MN
i hope you know that Shirley will be missed a great deal. I wish i would have been able to get over there more to visit. Your family is in my thoughts and prays.
She didn’t earn her wings she could always fly.
Heart so warm, so big, there was room for all.
The most Generous soul, she didn’t have to try.
Still burning bright when she answered God’s call.
Patience of a Dove, all she wanted was love.
Her kindness was trump, and she had it in spades.
I remember the sunshine, I remember the rain.
Her life was boundlessly colorful, living all shades.
I remember the great times, and of crossing the grain.
Her uniquely quirky charm wasn’t subtle, it pervades.
And now she is star shine, eternity without the mundane.
Ever Light by Scott Dredlox Jasmann
Dedicated to Shirley Shafer
I already miss ya Mah.
Edison NJShafer family,
so sorry for you loss. Shirley was a wonderful person . i enjoyed visiting with her when my sis and i would come hang out with Amanda. She will be missed.
Tina (Martin)Chauhan
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful, and amazing woman! Your family is in my prayers!
Grand Forks ND
I was shocked to hear this. I am soooo sorry – it is so hard to loose a family member. Shirley sent me info on the Lien family from her family tree. She and Harvey were always in Park River for any Flaten funerals or gatherings.
My sympathy to the whole family – May God bless you much, like my mother used to say. She was a Lien…..
Fargo ND
We Love You Momma Shirley