Shirley Anna (Carlson) Schmanski

Shirley Anna (Carlson) Schmanski 

Age 89 of Monticello

Shirley Anna (Carlson) Schmanski, age 89 of Monticello and formerly of Holdingford, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on May 22, 2026. Shirley is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, Richard “Dick” Schmanski; children Jim (Kathy) Schmanski, Jolene (Joe) Mollenhoff, Julie Pittman (friend Jeff Murray), Janine (Bruce) Kopff, and Jennifer Thienes (Dave Hinnenkamp); grandchildren James “Jamie” Schmanski, Cassie Bergquist, Kelly Colbeth, Alissa Schmanski, Janelle Thienes Leonard, Jonathan Thienes, Kristin Sederstrom, Dylan Schmanski, Cameron Kopff, and Savannah Pittman; great-grandchildren Skylar, Eric, Hana, Slate, Estella, Weston, Louie, and Scarlett with 2 more expected; brother Mark Carlson; brothers and sisters-in-law Alene Hall, Kathryn (Dave) Mueller, Paul Schmanski, Joan (Wil) Kowalchyk, and Jill DuPay; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Shirley enjoyed sewing, quilting, flower and vegetable gardening and canning.  She was a talented flower gardener with many gardens and cultivated healthy and beautiful perennials and annuals each year. Shirley also had a knack for crafts, with many past hobbies such as ceramic and fabric painting, needle point, embroidery and crocheting.  She had an eye for nature, especially birdwatching.  Being a night owl herself, she collected many owl figurines. Shirley loved decorating and looked forward to her Christmas Eve holiday traditions that will be remembered with love. She was very proud of her Barrett Lake retreat and especially enjoyed the family time and pontooning.

Her greatest importance was spending time with her family. Shirley was a stay-at-home mom, raising five children and still having energy to spare.  She was a Girl Scout leader, religion teacher, bowler, relentless gardener and later in her life went to school to become a bookkeeper, securing jobs in that field.  When she retired, she loved becoming the daycare provider for two of her grandchildren. Above all else, Shirley was a devoted Mother and Grandmother whose protective spirit, tireless work ethic and determination to never leave a project unfinished, inspired all.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents Clarence Charles and Anna Caroline (Berg) Carlson; sister Eileen Smith, brothers Kenneth, Donald, and David; brothers and sisters-in-law, including friends, MaryEllen Carlson, Sandy Schmanski and Don Smith.

The family would like to give a special heartfelt thank you to the staff of CentraCare ~ Monticello for their loving and compassionate care of Shirley in her final days.

Funeral services for Shirley will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 with visitation from 4-5 pm, with a service at 5 pm at Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel, 250 Broadway Street East, Monticello. 763-295-2918. www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com. Private interment will take place later at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel ~ Monticello.

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