Helen J. Shirley

July 1, 1921 - November 8, 2019

Helen J. Shirley, 98, of Fargo, ND, died Friday, November 8, 2019, in Touchmark of Harwood Groves, Fargo. Helen Jane Rodenkirch, the daughter of John and Seline (Nelson) Rodenkirch, was born July 1, 1921, in Colgate, ND. She grew up in Fargo, where she graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1939. On Feb. 14, 1948, she was united in marriage to Ellsworth “Al” Shirley, and they made their home in Fargo. Helen worked as a dental assistant for Dr. John Bartley, and for 25 years for Laurie’s ladies clothing store, where she often modeled for their ads. She was an active volunteer in many organizations including: Women of the ALC, First Lutheran Church Women, New Life Center Auxiliary, where she was their first chairperson, and the FM Fine Arts Club. She was a lifelong member of Beta Sigma Phi professional sorority. Helen’s husband, Al, died in 2007. She recently moved to Touchmark. Helen is survived by her three children, Julie (James) Frisk, Fargo, Kent (Ginger) Shirley, Fargo, and Craig (Carol) Shirley, Shoreview, MN; five grandchildren, Laurie Corliss, Daniel (Jennifer Dixon) Frisk, Matthew (Cari) Frisk, Erik (Laura) Shirley, and Joel (Crystal) Shirley; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her brother and his wife, John and V. Jean Rodenkirch. The family thanks the staff of Touchmark, Hospice of the Red River Valley, and First Lutheran Church, Fargo, for all their support, care, and prayers. The Funeral service for Helen Shirley will be Friday, November 15, 2019, at 1 PM, in First Lutheran Church, Fargo. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral, at the church. Helen will be buried in Riverside Cemetery, Fargo. Arrangements by Korsmo Funeral Service, Moorhead.