Shirley Truhn Obituary

Shirley L. Truhn, 91, of St. Joseph passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Caretel Inns of St. Joseph.

A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 19, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Court & Market St., St. Joseph, with the Rev. Michael Roth officiating. Burial will follow in Spring Run Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Memorial donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Joseph. Those wishing to sign Shirley's memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Shirley was born Oct. 10, 1934, in Benton Harbor to George and Julianna Truhn. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School, Class of 1952, and continued her education to earn her RN degree from Walther Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Shirley worked as an RN in private practice for several area doctors – Dr. Hayes, Dr. Hills, Dr. Rock and retired from Dr. Smalley's office after many years of service to the Twin Cities area. She also served as the family medical advisor whenever someone was under the weather.

Shirley was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph where she sang in the choir, served on the Altar Guild, and enjoyed Thursday morning Bible class and the monthly SAGES group. In her free time, she enjoyed creating stained-glass artwork, sterling silver jewelry, showing her English sheepdogs, and most of all, spending time with her family, especially at George and Norma's cabin on Gravel Lake, fishing with her brother.

Shirley is survived by her sister-in-law, Norma Truhn of St. Joseph; nieces and nephews: Michael Truhn, Cheryl Demis, Jeffrey Truhn, Julie (Brent) Engel; and several great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Lila and Lorraine Truhn, George Truhn, Jr., and a nephew, Curtis Truhn.