Shirley Ann (Ebeling) Strusz

Shirley Ann (Ebeling) Strusz, 84, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2022 at Pine Haven Care Center in Pine Island.

She was born on September 10, 1937, on the family farm in Trimont, Minnesota to Elmer and Lucille Ebeling. She was one of four children. She was baptized, also at home on the farm, and later confirmed in the Lutheran Church. She graduated from Trimont High School in 1955, then moved to Red Wing, where she studied nursing, earning a Practical Nursing Degree in 1956. She then returned to Trimont and worked at the local hospital.

In March of 1957 she went on a blind date, and met the man she would one day marry, Elroy Strusz. Together they were married for 63 years, and had 4 children, Duane, Jane, Diane and Steven. They farmed their entire married life. Shirley, also, worked at the Zumbrota Nursing Home and in Home Health Care for many, many years. She really enjoyed helping others.

She was a very active member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Goodhue, attending Bible Class, Quilting, and teaching Sunday School. She also held many positions including Treasurer of Ladies Aid (x2), she was on the Program Planning Committee, and Bonner Committee, also a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Ladies Aid, since 1966. She was a member of Goodhue County Extensions and served as Vice President and President on Home Council Extensions. She enjoyed visiting with shut-ins and people who were homebound. Shirley loved her garden and flowers. She enjoyed needlework, any kind of crafting and reading.

She will be missed.

Left to cherish her memory include her husband, Elroy of Zumbrota; son, Duane of Zumbrota; daughters, Jane (Allen) Busby of Palm Bay, Florida and Diane Buller of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Angela, Nick, Kelly, Devon, Brennan and Bryan; also 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Laverna Dickman of Trimont; and brother, Vernon Ebeling of Kasson.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Lucille Ebeling; son, Steven (December 2000); brother, Kenny Ebeling; and two sons-in-law, Joe Hickey and Mark Buller.

The family would like to thank the staff at Pine Haven Care Center and the Heartland Hospice Care Team for their exceptional care of Shirley.

Blessed be her memory.

A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Goodhue, Minnesota. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, and the service will follow at 11:00 AM. A light luncheon will follow the service. Please join us.

Due to allergies, in lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.