Shirley A. Pfingsten, age 86, of Merrill, passed away on January 2, 2018, at Ascension Good Samaritan Health Center, Merrill.

Shirley was born November 28, 1931, in Merrill, daughter of the late August and Anna (Hanson) Leopold. She married Clifford H. Pfingsten, Sr. on May 16, 1953, in Merrill. He preceded her in death on June 8, 2007. Shirley began her career at the former Holy Cross Hospital in Merrill in 1946 at a kitchen assistant. She then became a nursing assistant, and at the time of her retirement in 1997 she was a unit clerk. Shirley enjoyed camping with her family; watching the Hallmark Channel, especially their Christmas movies; playing cards; and spending time with her grandchildren.

Shirley is survived by her three children, Holly (Gary) Rauen,  Melody Pfingsten, and Clifford Pfingsten, Jr., all of Merrill; three grandchildren, Amy (Chad, Sr.) Hoernke, Merrill, Glenn (Kristina) Strozewski, Jr., Belgium, Wisconsin, and Natasha Pfingsten, Merrill; three great grandchildren, Chad Hoernke, Jr. and Tatiana Hoernke, both of Merrill, and Parker Strozewski, Belgium; many nieces and nephews; and her dear friend, Kathy Liberty of Merrill. Besides her husband and parents, Shirley is preceded in death by two sisters, Elsie Janisch and Mae Wenzlick; and seven brothers, Raymond, George, Paul, Sr., Carl, Fillmore ‘Tug’, Albert, and William Leopold.

The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM Monday, January 8, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Monday at church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.