Shirley Steinhofer

Shirley A. Steinhofer, age 96 of New Munich, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Cura Care Center in Melrose, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 24 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich with Rev. Daniel Walz officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church.

Shirley Ann Zirbes was born on June 19, 1930, in Greenwald, Minnesota to Ambrose and Bernadine (Deters) Zirbes. She attended school in Greenwald where she met Norbert Steinhofer. After a few years of dating, they got married on June 22, 1948, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Greenwald and made their home in New Munich where they raised their seven children. Shirley worked at Fingerhut in St. Cloud for many years. After Fingerhut closed, she worked as a housekeeper at Super 8 Motel in Melrose until her retirement. She lived in New Munich until 2017 when she moved to Pine Villa in Melrose.

Shirley was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich and the Christian Women. She enjoyed flower gardening, going out to eat, spending time with her family, and celebrating the holidays.

Survivors include her children, Kenneth (Alice) Steinhofer of Cold Spring, Diane Nathe of Sauk Centre, Carol (Matt) Heinen of Albany, Alice (Rick) Berens of Long Prairie, Thomas Steinhofer of Cannon Falls, and Sharon (Eugene) Gertken of Albany; daughter-in-law, Darlene Steinhofer of Sauk Rapids; 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson; and sister, Jean Fuchs of Melrose.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Norbert Steinhofer on October 18, 2000; son, Ronald Steinhofer; son-in-law, Butch Nathe; great-granddaughter, Whitney Castillo; great- grandson, Nicolas Koening; parents, Ambrose and Bernadine Zirbes; brother, Roger Zirbes; and sister, Gladys Steinhofer.