Shirley Ann Kell

Shirley Ann (Strohfus) Kell, age 88, of St. Louis Park, MN passed away on January 27, 2025. Up until the last few months, Shirley lived independently, attending Good Shephard church regularly, watching The Wheel of Fortune every night with a glass of wine, and joining family functions and her grandchildren’s events as often as could.

Shirley was born in Henry, SD on December 29, 1936, and was raised on her family’s farm. As the second of four children, she cooked and helped raise her siblings - watching over her sister, Pauline, while trying to keep up with her brothers, Dick and Larry. Although she settled in the Twin Cities, she remained close to her ever-growing South Dakota Family and returned often - rarely missing a wedding, graduation or Family Olympics. Shirley lived an active life, taking weekend ski trips to Colorado, camping in the Canadian Rockies, and playing softball.

Bob and Shirley raised their family in St. Louis Park at 1822 Edgewood Ave. S. Shirley was the neighborhood mom, feeding the masses. The Kells went through a lot of cereal and lunchmeat. Through the years she had a number of jobs to ensure her kids could live an active life participating in sports, and she served as the president of the SLP little league. No matter the event - baseball, bowling, football, volleyball - Shirley was always there cheering her kids on, and she proudly received the “Loudest Parent Award,” voted by the students of Benilde St. Margaret’s. She faithfully served her community and church, Good Shepherd, ushering at Mass, working hospitality, serving lunches to the students, and helping at every event either setting up chairs or providing baked goods.

All who knew Shirley will remember for her warmth, love, strong will, and devotion to family and church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Laura (Redmond) Blais and Leo Strohfus, her stepfather, Jerry Blais, her brothers, Dick and Larry Strohfus, and her husband, Bob Kell. Shirley is survived by her children Julie, Dave (Kelley), Jeni (Wes); grandchildren Sam, Kelsey, Sierra, Owen, Lucy, Pepper, Harlan, Ben; cousin, Rick (Pam); and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am – 11:00 am on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 145 Jersey Avenue South, Golden Valley. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 am with a luncheon immediately following at the church. A private burial will follow at a later date.