She was born Jan. 25, 1935, in Verndale, Minn., to Arnold and Gladys Grewe. Shirley was raised with her sister, Norma, on their family’s dairy farm in Bertha, Minn. As a child, Shirley excelled in many activities. Being raised on a dairy farm prepared her to accept the hard work of life with grace and beauty. Fittingly, she was crowned the Todd County Dairy Princess in 1952 and then embraced raising a blended family with seven children.

After graduating from high school, Shirley went on to secretarial school in St. Paul, Minn. In 1957, Shirley married Russ Utermarck and they moved to Truman, Minn. where they raised 3 children together until 1975 when Russ tragically died in a plane crash. In 1979, Shirley found love again after a blind date with Darrell Weber. They blended families making everyone’s life a bit crazy and much brighter. Throughout their 44 years together, Shirley and Darrell faced life’s difficulties with unwavering love. Shirley’s delicious homemade meals were the center of family and friends gathering.

Professionally, She was a consultant for Apartment Search where she was affectionately known as “Mother Superior” by her colleagues, who often sought her advice. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to become a business owner and eventually, a realtor alongside her spouse, Darrell. Together, they helped many people find their forever homes.

Retirement brought new joy for Shirley and Darrell, as they loved every minute watching their grandchildren grow. Whether it was attending plays, dance recitals, or sporting events, Shirley loved every moment shared with family.

Shirley is now reunited with her beloved, Darrell and Russ; her son-in-law, Todd Peterson; grandson, Nicholas; great-granddaughter, Nora Helmers; brothers-in-law Gene, Dary, Glen and Dennis; and her parents.

She is survived by her sister, Norma Hukriede; and sister-in-law, Gloria Weber. She leaves behind a legacy of love in her children: Pat (Missy) Weber, Jane Sheehan, Jeff Weber, Cynthia Peterson, Jim (Sara) Utermarck, Daniel (Jennie) Weber, Jennifer (Mark) Overend, and her biggest fans her grand and great-grandchildren, Kyle (Sydney) Sheehan, Ally (Andy) Helmers, Sam (Megan) Weber, Ben (Erika) Barth, Caedran (Jay) Barth, Natalie Weber, Jackson Utermarck, George Weber, Kate Overend, Anna Utermarck, Leo Weber, Liv Overend, Ryan Blowers and the newest additions, Edith Barth, Bhodie Barth, Addie Weber and Noa Bennett.

Because of our gratitude for hospice, memorials can be made to: Minnesota Network of Hospice and Palliative Care: .https://www.mnhpc.org/.

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