Shirley Ann Toensing

Shirley Ann Toensing (Hedlund)
Born on July 29th 1930 in St. Paul, MN and passed away peacefully on March 27, 2023 at The Pillars hospice home in Oakdale, MN

Shirley was the youngest of eight children born to Hjalmar and Millie Hedlund, Swedish immigrants.  She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Florence, Ervin, Verone, Morris, Lois, Audrey, and Eunice. She loved time with her family, who enjoyed being together, sharing in fun and laughter.

Shirley graduated from Washington H.S. in 1948.  She greatly enjoyed her work at Hartzell Mfg. as an executive secretary, prior to leaving the workforce to assume her treasured role of wife and mother.  Shirley later returned to work as an administrative assistant at Young Life Ministries in WBL.

Shirley married Richard Toensing in 1962 and was a loving and devoted wife for 55 years, until his death in 2017.  Together with Richard, Shirley Ann raised and is survived by three children Joan (Philip) Evans, Karen (Warren) Wicklund, and Jeffrey (Marcy) Toensing.  They created a home grounded in faith in Jesus Christ and filled with joy and laughter.  Shirley is also survived by her eight beloved grandchildren  Anna (Joseph) Garcia-Menocal and Bethany Evans; Alec, Lauren, and Zachary Wicklund; Emily, Nicholas, and Katherine Toensing as well as  many nieces & nephews.

Shirley Ann had a deep faith in Christ and was a devoted member of First Lutheran Church for over 50 years. Music was a passion in her life.  She enjoyed singing as a soloist and in her church and community choirs. She taught herself to play piano and continued to play her entire life.  Shirley Ann will be remembered  for her Sunday dinners, listening ear, quick wit, endearing giggle, and brilliant blue eyes. Shirley Ann brought joy & laughter to all she met and in all she did.

Visitation Mon 4/3, 5-7pm, Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 4600 Greenhaven Drive, WBL & Tues 4/4, one hour prior to 11 am service at Community of Grace Lutheran Church, 4000 Linden St., WBL. Internment Oakland Cemetery following service and luncheon. Memorials preferred to the church.