In loving memory of

Shirley Dolores Skree
July 31, 1928 - March 3, 2010

Shirley Dolores Skree, 81, died on Wednesday March 3, 2010 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Deb and Tom Stilin. She was born July 31, 1928 in the Caledonia Hospital to Alfred and Alice (Nerison) Carlson. She was raised on Fort Ridgley in rural Houston and attended country school there. Shirley was confirmed at the Bethany Evangelical Free Church in 1941 and graduated from Houston High School in 1945. At this time her family moved down to a farm in Badger Valley where she became acquainted with her next door neighbor, Darrel A. Skree. The young couple was married September 23, 1950 at the Houston Lutheran Church by Rev. O. A. Anderson.
After high school and during her early years of marriage Shirley worked at the Houston-Money Creek Co-op Creamery, Thomas A. Flynn's Law Office and Ace Telephone. She loved sewing, ironing, needlework and crafts; gardening, flowers, cats and birds. She was also known for her elaborately decorated cakes and fancy desserts.
As a member of Cross of Christ Lutheran Church she was a long time member of the ALCW, WELCA, Circle, and also the Craft Club for many years. She also belonged to the Badger Homemakers and the Arnet-Sheldon Legion Post #423 Auxiliary. In her later years she realized a lifelong dream of learning how to tat.
After Darrel's death she continued to live on the farm with her son, Jim, until suffering a stroke in April of 2008, after which she was lovingly cared for by Deb, Tom and the girls at their home in Houston. Shirley will be remembered for many things including her love of home and family, gentle and caring manner, sense of humor and her natural ability to make people feel at ease.
Shirley is survived by her five children: Jeffrey Skree of Mesa, AZ; James Skree of Houston; Douglas Skree of Tempe, AZ; Debra (Thomas) Stilin of Houston; and Gary (Marion) Skree of Rushford, MN; seven grandchildren: Nick, Shane, Cody, Dawson and Savannah Skree, and Audrey and Sophia Stilin; and a great-grandson: Carter Skree. Also a sister: Lylah Dragvold of Spring Grove, MN; and three sisters-in-law: Darlene Carlson of Winona, MN; JoAnn Carlson of Houston; and Genevieve Skree of LaCrescent, MN; a brother-in-law: Gifford (Marjorie) Skree of Houston; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Darrel; three brothers: Kenneth, John and Leonard Carlson; three brothers-in-law: Fergus Happel, Gerald Dragvold and Robert Skree; and a nephew, Dennis Happel.

Tribute video can be found at: http://videos.lifetributes.com/124239

Tributes

Daryl and Diane Vonderohe wrote on Mar 13, 2010:

"We were sorry to learn about Shirley. Peace be with her. You are in our thoughts and prayers..."

Dawn Twaiten wrote on Mar 9, 2010:

"Sorry I couldn't be at the Funeral or visitation but am currently in AZ. Enjoyed Shirley so much in church craft club. Our family is thinking of your at this time. Dawn Twaiten-Nanof"

Cherie Katula wrote on Mar 6, 2010:

"My deepest sympathy Gary and the rest of your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you."

sue jenkins wrote on Mar 5, 2010:

"she was a very special ldy and will be missed .here and darrell had a wonderful loving family .and they will be missed"

Anna Frauenkron wrote on Mar 4, 2010:

"To Tom, Deb and the girls, I am truely sorry to hear of the passing of your mother/grandma. I know how much you enjoyed being with her and taking care of her. In deepest sympathy, Anna Frauenkron"

Jerry and Channon Rasmussen wrote on Mar 4, 2010:

"We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. I (Jerry) delivered UPS to Shirley for many years, and it was always a treat to stop and visit with her. She was so pleasant and kind - she reminded me so much of my own mother. We are sure there is a special placed reserved in heaven for her."

Dera Hanson and Paul Landry wrote on Mar 4, 2010:

"We wish to extend our deepest sympathy in the loss of your wonderful mother Shirley. Our families have been so very close for a long time. She will be truly missed. Shirley attended school with dad and was confirmed in the same church. Her passing brings back a lot of memories. Dad and mom both talked fondly of all the Skrees and Carlsons. Jeff, Jim, Doug, Debbie, Gary and families - may God Bless you all and know that you all are watched over by both Shirley and Darrell. Please know they are both together now and no longer in any pain. With love and caring, Dera Hanson and Paul Landry"