Shirley Hempel

Shirley Hempel, 94, of Granite Falls, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Avera Granite Falls Care Center.  Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 19th at 11:00 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Granite Falls.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Shirley Ann Hempel was born May 28, 1930, in Morris, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Haaken & Anna Jenson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended school in Morris, Minnesota.

 Many of her younger years were spent visiting relatives at the Kvam family farm in Stony. She was united in marriage to Donald Hempel on February 23, 1952. They made their home in Granite Falls, Minnesota and had three children: Sandi, Scott and Tim.

 Shirley had so many talents and gifts to share. She was a very fun loving and light hearted person with a great sense of humor. She enjoyed crafting, flowers, sewing, travel, playing the piano, music and spending time with family and friends. She was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and active in church activities.

 She was instrumental in developing a teen center in Granite Falls that brought much enjoyment for the younger generation. Shirley enjoyed her time as a secretary for the City in the HUD Department. It is fitting that she passed on Valentine’s Day, the day of love.

 Shirley is survived by her children: Sandi (Ray) Dudonis of El Dorado Hills, California and Tim (Jody) Hempel of Granite Falls; daughter-in-law Judy Soderholm; 7 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and extended family and friends.

 She was preceded in death by her husband Don, son Scott and two brothers.