Shirley Jean Arneson

Our mother, Shirley Jean Arneson, was called to be with Jesus on December 2, 2023 at the age of 93, She was born on March 20, 1930 in Graceville, Minnesota, the daughter of the late John and Selma (Swenning) Schacher. Shirley was a graduate of Freeborn High School in Freeborn, Minnesota. On February 5, 1949 she married Bruce Arneson in Hartland, Minnesota, they were married for 66 years until Bruce’s death on November 3, 2015. Shortley after their marriage, along with Shirley’s parents and teenage brother, they moved to Michigan, first to Saginaw and then to Bay City where they spent the majority of their lives. Together they raised their four daughters, Kathleen, Sally Ann, Cynthia and Brenda. In younger years, Shirley and Bruce enjoyed camping, golf and travels to Wisconsin to visit Bruce’s family as well as winters spent in Harlingen, Texas. After Bruce’s passing, Shirley moved to Midland Senior Manor where she made many friends and participated in Bingo and birthday gatherings. Her family was most important to her and she loved spending time with them. She maintained the friendships she made during her working years at Sage Library and enjoyed long phone conversations with family and friends. Shirley was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a long-time member of Messiah Lutheran Church.

Shirley is survived by three of her four daughters and three sons-in-law, Kathy and Chris Elzinga, Royal Goulette, Cyndy and David Rabidoux and Brenda Arneson. She leaves her 13 grandchildren and their partners, Jason and Michelle Elzinga, Jared Elzinga and Ashley McPhee, Joshua and Kortni Elzinga, Heidi and Anthony Eno, Heath and Brenda Goulette, Hollie and Matthew LaRue, Harth Goulette and Kevin Lozo, Shawn Fry, Jessica and Matt Heintskill, Whitney and Todd Gall, Autumn and Eli Neview, Casey Lazaruk and Alissa and Chris Dufort. She was a “GG” to 30 great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren. She is also survived by her niece, Lori (Randy) Lemuel and their family and nephew, Terry Schacher, as well as two sisters-in-law, Agnes VanAlstyne and Carol Reed residing in Wisconsin. Besides her parents and husband, Shirley was also predeceased by her daughter, Sally Goulette, her brother, and sister-in-law, Jack and Gerry Schacher, her nephew, Michael Schacher, a great grandson, Brett Mayhew as well as several members of Bruce’s family.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Bay Shores Extended Care Facility and to A&D Hospice for the care that was given to Shirley during these past 17 months.

At the request of Shirley, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at the Gephart Funeral home. Officiating will be Rev. Daniel J. Stoneback. Private inurnment will take place at a later date in Elm Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. Memorial cards for the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the donor’s favorite charity will be available at the funeral home.