Shirley J. Van Gundy

Shirley Van Gundy, age 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at Heritage Court Assisted Living in Houston. Shirley was born on October 13, 1933 in Caledonia, MN, the daughter of Homer and Florence (Manion) Stelplugh. Shirley was raised in Looney Valley with her siblings and she graduated from Houston High School; there she was introduced to the love of her life, Francis Van Gundy, and the two were united in marriage on June 16, 1955 at Looney Valley Lutheran Church. Their union was blessed with four children. She was a very active member of Looney Valley Lutheran Church, worked with the Houston Food Shelf, served on the Valley View Manor Board, Lutheran Brotherhood, coordinated the annual Hearing and Vision Screening Clinics at the Houston Public Schools and Music Mothers.

Shirley devoted her life to faith, family, and helping others. She graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in 1954 and worked in several different locations in her career including Charleston, SC, Caledonia and Winona, MN. She was proud to be able to attend each Nursing School Class Reunion annually. Shirley was proud to play an integral part in establishing the Houston County Public Health - Board of Nurses. Her nursing skills extended far beyond the hospital, too; she offered her knowledge and service to anyone who needed it. Shirley was also known as "Auntie" to many daycare children over the course of 30 years.

Shirley will always be remembered by her children, Lisa (Brian) Jerviss of Hokah, Peter Van Gundy of Houston, Susan Ridenour of Maryland and Heidi (Peter) Schaffer of Hokah; grandchildren, Eric (Meghann) Jerviss, Luke (Christian Cancino) Jerviss, Chad Ridenour, Spencer Schaffer and Sophie Schaffer; great-grandchildren, Carson, Emmett, Claire, Molly, Joanna, and Madison; sister, Faye Owens of Houston; sister-in-law, Jean Stelplugh; as well as her beloved nieces, nephews, other extended family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of over 60 years, Francis Van Gundy; parents, Homer and Florence Stelplugh; and brother Robert Stelplugh.

Funeral services for Shirley will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, June 9 at Looney Valley Lutheran Church of Houston. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on Friday before the Funeral at Church. Interment will be held at the church cemetery, Silver Creek. The Hoff Funeral Home of Houston is assisting Shirley's family with arrangements.

Memorials can be directed to Looney Valley Lutheran Church or Houston Food Shelf.

A special thank you to Heritage Court staff and St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful care.