Shirley J. Estebo

Shirley J. Estebo age 73 of Redwood Falls passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, July 12, 2021 of natural causes.  Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at Redwood Valley Funeral Home in Redwood Falls.  Visitation will be 12:00-2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.  Interment will be in the Spruce Township Cemetery in Roseau at a later date.  

Shirley was born on January 5, 1948 in Grantsburg, WI to Rev. Theodore Kronberg and his wife Berta (Emry). Shirley joined her four sisters and one brother, and was greatly beloved as the baby of the family. Her father’s commitment to the pastorate brought their family to many small towns across Wisconsin, Nebraska, Minnesota, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Shirley was a gifted piano player and shared her talents as church pianist in all the services her father led throughout her teen years.  Shirley graduated in 1966 from Felch High School in Michigan. She continued her schooling at Aaker School of Business in Fargo, ND.  Shirley married Dale Erickson on June 14, 1969 in Roseau, MN. The couple moved to Redwood Falls, MN following Dale’s discharge from the Air Force. The couple welcomed their only son Rion in 1975.  Shirley’s lifelong career at Bremer Bank, where she received numerous awards and accolades, provided her the opportunity to reach out to the community and share her many talents. She committed her time and energy serving on many boards and organizations. She was a leader who led with vision, integrity and kindness.  Shirley married Orrin Estebo in 2001. The couple’s travels took them around the world, and they made a tradition of spending their winters in Pensacola, FL. Shirley continued to be active in the community and ardently supported Orrin’s commitment to the Redwood Falls educational programs and the foundations he established for scholarships.  Shirley’s first granddaughter was born in 2018. Watching her grow through the daily photo updates she received brought her great joy. Shirley wrapped her granddaughter in prayers, just as her own mother had done for Rion.  Shirley lived a life of loving others with empathy, kindness and generosity. She naturally made many friends and held a special place in the hearts of her family. 

Shirley is survived by her son Rion Erickson; granddaughter; siblings: Lois (Don) Anderson, Elna (Don) Kofstad, Rob (Priscilla) Kronberg, Vernie (Larry) Olson, Doris (Don) Miller; many nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and -nephews.  She is preceded in death by her husband Orrin Estebo and her parents, Theodore and Berta Kronberg.