Shirley Langenwalter

Shirley Langenwalter, 95, of Wahpeton, ND, passed away at St. Catherine's Living Center on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. A rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m., with visitation from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., followed by her Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at St. John's Catholic Church in Wahpeton. Fr. Paul Kuhn and Fr. Dale Lagodinski will officiate the service. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at a later date. 

Shirley Marguerite was born on November 9, 1929, in Walhalla, ND to Russell and Gertrude (McNamara) Horsley. A remarkable woman, Shirley’s life was characterized by her commitment to family, community, and her faith. 

Educated in North Dakota, Shirley attended country school before graduating from Neche High School in 1947. Following her high school years, she continued her education at Fargo Business College, working at various businesses in the Fargo/Moorhead area and in California. 

In 1954, Shirley returned to the Fargo/Moorhead area, where she met the love of her life, Elroy Langenwalter. They were married on September 28, 1956, and together, they moved to Elroy’s home farm near Fairmount, ND, where they raised their children and built a loving family. 

Shirley's life was deeply intertwined with her community and faith. She was an active member of St. John's Catholic Church, where she contributed her time and efforts to the Catholic Daughters, Christian Mothers, and St. Francis Auxiliary, and volunteering at St. Francis Hospital. She enjoyed sewing and bowling. 

She is survived by her children, Linda Langenwalter of Everett, WA; Karen (Dave) Fitton of Seattle, WA; and Dean (Renee) Langenwalter of Wahpeton, ND; her daughter-in-law, Kathy Langenwalter, Fairmount, ND; her sister, Nina Garoyan of Davis, CA; Grandchildren, John (Kylie) Langenwalter, Jane (Justin) Campbell, Joseph Langenwalter, Joshua and Elias Fitton, Nicholas, Claire and Ella Langenwalter; Great Grandchildren, Calvin Langenwalter, Luke, Olivia, Daphne, Alex and Will Campbell who will cherish the time spent with her; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elroy; son, David Langenwalter; daughter, Mary Jo Langenwalter; her infant twins, James and Jean. 

Shirley's life was a testament to her enduring spirit, faith, and her love for her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. John's Catholic Church, St. John's Catholic School or CHI Health at Home.