Shirley Bierbaum

Shirley Bierbaum, 93, of Schroeder died Wednesday, May 9, 2018 surrounded by her family and music at Bickford of Hugo in Hugo, MN.

She was born on November 25, 1924 to J. Herman and Ethel (Larson) Hanson in Washburn, WI.  Shirley graduated from Washburn High School in 1942 then obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in med/lab technology.  After graduation she worked for the Veteran's Hospital in Minneapolis until marrying Robert Bierbaum on November 10, 1950.  In the fall of 1957 they purchased Northland Hardware in Schroeder and Bob moved north that winter. Shirley and the girls followed in the spring of 1958. They continued in business, serving the community's needs until they sold in 1996. Shirley continued to work and assist the new owners for a short time longer.

A member of Zoar Lutheran Church in Tofte, Shirley was organist for Sunday services, weddings, and funerals for over 50 years. After retiring as organist, she learned to play harmonica and continued to play for the services on the rocks at Father Baraga's cross.  Shirley was a member and Past Worthy Matron of Northern Light and Emera Chapters of the Order of Eastern Star,  but most often served as organist.  An active member of and volunteer in the community, Shirley or "Florence Nightingale" as Bob sometimes called her, could often be found helping those in need.  She loved fishing, car rides through the woods, hiking, watching the ore boats, picnics in the woods and having fun with friends and family.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bob in 2004; and older sister, Rae Idell Carlson.

Shirley is survived by her daughters, Mary (Lynn) Wilson of Duluth, Janet (Mark) Jadwin of Ham Lake, and Jacque (Dan) Nelson of Roberts, WI; 8 grandchildren; and 16 greatgrandchildren.

Memorials preferred to Zoar Lutheran Church and the Schroeder Area Historical Society.

Services will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Zoar Lutheran Church in Tofte.  Lunch will follow at the Schroeder Town Hall.