Shirley Christine Christenson, age 71, of Minneapolis, passed away Oct. 10, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Shirley was born on March 25, 1953 and grew up on a farm near Ellsworth, Wis. She graduated from Ellsworth High School then graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in Business Administration. She worked for 45 years in Information Technology as a software developer, manager, consultant, and self-employed app developer.
Shirley was a corporate pilot, flew skydivers in her plane, and mastered skydiving herself. She helped the Red Cross by flying blood deliveries. In addition, she worked as an apartment manager, apprentice electrician, and community ed instructor.
She will be remembered for her many talents and adventurous spirit. Shirley played trumpet in high school, college, and throughout her life, often playing Taps at funerals or performing solos. In recent years she played with the Minnesota State Band. She had other interests at which she excelled, including knitting, sewing, cooking, and planning unique trips.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Olaf and Evelyn Christenson, her sister, Betty Christenson, her brother, David Christenson, and her nephew, Christopher McManus. She is survived by her son, Zack Christenson, sister Barbara Christenson, sister-in-law, Abby Andresen, her niece, Jennifer Christenson, and her nephew, Dustin McManus.
A memorial service will be planned at a later date.
