Shirley J. Gronlund, "Flick", of Valparaiso, formerly of Hobart and Chicago, passed away September 11 at St. Mary's Medical Center at the age of 83. She was born December 31, 1929 in Chicago, IL to the late Bjorn and Fern Hoff. She is survived by Byron, her beloved husband of 64 years, daughters Susie (Glenn) Mikaloff, Gail (Mike) Ritter, and Carol (John) Retz; 13 grandchildren: Kristin Bodkin, Karin Breitenstein, Elissa Hejduk, Jason Mikaloff, Kyle Mikaloff, Kevin Mikaloff, Kris Patterson, Ryan Ritter, Jason Ritter, Adam Ritter, Randi Cox, Josh Retz, and Lauren Retz; 12 great grandchildren: Natalie, Nesta, Coasten, Cali, Joshua, Alex, Ava, Sylvia, Katherine, Ethan, Deagan, and Landon. She was preceded in death by her parents. She was an active member of Sons of Norway Trollhaugen Lodge; teacher at Liberty Elementary School in Hobart; member of Augustana Lutheran Church; life-long church choir alto; president of South Shore High School Class of '48 (Chicago). Shirley was a leader in everything she did. She was known for her beautiful smile and positive outlook on life…she will certainly be missed.
Funeral services for Shirley will be Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church, 207 Kelly Street, Hobart. Visitation will be on Saturday, September 14, 2013 from 4-7 p.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Augustana Lutheran Church Foundation. Rees Funeral, Hobart Chapel assisted with arrangements. For information please call 219-942-2109 or go online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com