Shirley Brandanger

Shirley Elizabeth Brandanger, age 93, of Pequot Lakes, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2017. She was born February 19, 1924, in River Falls, Wisconsin. Shirley's first career path was that of a school teacher working in a one-room schoolhouse teaching many different grade levels. During World War II she switched careers to work in a factory to support the war effort. In addition to being a homemaker, Shirley provided necessary clerical support to her husband while they started Brandanger and Associates which was a successful auditing business.

Shirley is survived by her children: David Brandanger, Diane Lund, Douglas Brandanger (Ruth), Dennis Brandanger (Elizabeth); grandchildren: Christine, Kelby, Rory, Kirk, Hannah, Jessica (Seth) Midura, Jayme (Aaron) Madson. Shirley was blessed with four great-grandchildren: Isaiah, Eliza, Noah and Elin. She will be deeply missed by her sister, Leona. She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlyn; parents, Samuel and Ethel Woods; sisters: Lillian, Florence, Charlotte, Lorena, Juanita and Ruth; brothers, Varon and Wilbur; and grandchildren, Daniele and Pryor.

Merlyn and Shirley were married for 63 years and enjoyed their lake home in Pequot Lakes. While her health was good, Shirley loved playing cards, gardening, reading, stacking wood and multiple craft activities. She was a true artist at cross-stitch and known for her dollhouse and purses. When she was out and about, people would constantly comment on her purse and ask where she got it. In her quiet way, she would simply smile and say, "I made it"!

Celebration of Life service will be at 12:30 p.m., visitation beginning at noon, on Friday, April 28, at Edgewood Vista Assisted Living, 14890 Beaver Dam Road, Brainerd. Pastor Todd Wooden will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Wounded Warrior Project.