Shirley Mae Mechels (Swanson)

Published June 17, 2021 at 9:14 AM

Age 85 of Blaine, returned to the arms of her family on June 15, 2021. Preceded in death by parents, Harold & Minnie Swanson; siblings, Robert (Lilah) Swanson, Carol (Donovan) Johnson, Rodney (Carol) Swanson. Survived by Bill, her loving husband of 61 years; daughters, Marit Mechels (Jeff), Juliana Hazelwood & Gail Bultman (Stacy); grandsons, Joe, Zach & Ben; great-grandson, Huxtyn; nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends.

Shirley was born and raised in Holmes City, MN in the Alexandria area. Her Lake Rachel friends were her loyal and dearest childhood friends. Shirley was a loving and proud mother, grandma, and great grandma. Time with her daughters, grandsons and great-grandson were her happiest. She loved to travel and put on many miles on car rides with Bill exploring and discovering new places. Shirley loved her winter home in Apache Junction, AZ with a view of the Superstition Mountains. In the summer months, being “up North” in Alexandria and Nevis, with a view of the lake brought her peace and contentment. True to her Swedish heritage, she faced cancer and declining health in her usual stoic and strong manner.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Church of St. Timothy in Blaine. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 22, from 5-8 p.m. at Kozlak-Radulovich Chapel in Blaine. Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Timothy Catholic Church (707 – 89th Ave. NE Blaine, MN 55434). Arrangements with Kozlak-Radulovich Chapel, 763-783-1100.