Shirley Hanson

Shirley Hanson (nee Strobel), age 93 of Cottage Grove, MN passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 3, 2025.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at The Church of St. Rita, 8694 80th Street S., Cottage Grove with visitation one hour prior to the service at church. All are invited to a luncheon following the service. Interment will be held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

Shirley was born to Anthony and Aquina Strobel on February 24, 1932, in St. Paul, Minnesota. She grew up on the Highland part of St. Paul and graduated from St. Joe's High School in 1950. Shirley was a proud graduate of St. Catherine's University in which she obtained her teaching degree. On June 25, 1955 she was married to Walter Hanson at St. Paul Nativity Catholic Church. They raised their family in St. Paul and were blessed with five children.

Shirley and Wally were able to travel all over the world, but she especially enjoyed planning and researching the best locations to visit. Family was the heart of Shirley's life. Grandchildren were always on top of her list, she was thrilled to spend as much time with them as possible.

Shirley is survived by her loving children Barbara (Dick) Slonaker, Deborah (Ken) Bushinski, Stephen (Eron), David (Nancy), Peter (Bonnie); grandchildren Leda, Nicholas, Jeana, Karly (Troy), Alex (Jen), Andy (Avonlea), Tyler (Olivia), Sara, Anna (Zach), Joshua (Kirsten) and Matthew; great grandchildren Evelyn, Broderick, Brie, Everett, Tristan and Morgan as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Walter "Wally" in 2014.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorials given in memory of Shirley would go to the Church of St. Rita in Cottage Grove, MN.