Shirley Strey

Shirley Strey, age 93, of Bird Island died Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at the Buffalo Lake Health Care Center.  Private family services will be held.  Burial will be in the Bird Island City Cemetery.  Arrangements by Dirks-Blem Funeral Service, Olivia, MN.

Shirley Marie Strey was born September 8, 1928 in Redwood Falls, MN to Sheridan and Mary Flaherty. Shirley lived in the Bird Island area and attended District 87 Country School until the death of her father Sheridan in 1937. The family then moved to Olivia where she graduated from Olivia High School in 1947. Shirley worked in Minneapolis for a short time before returning to Olivia, she then worked at The Sweet Shoppe and later the Clock Cafe. She married LuVerne Strey January 3, 1949 and they lived in Blomkest before returning to Olivia where she continued to work at the Clock Cafe until they moved to Bird Island in 1953. They owned and operated Strey Truck Line hauling for Bird Island Grain & Feed. Shirley drove a semi for 18 years. In 1975, they bought Strey’s Place and operated this restaurant until 1980. Shirley returned to driving truck until 1986 when they purchased the Whatever Store, until selling in 1998. In 1999, Shirley became site manager for Augustana Senior Dining Site and retired in 2003. Shirley moved into the Buffalo Lake Nursing home in February of 2017 until the time of her passing. Shirley and LuVern enjoyed traveling in their motorhome to Seattle and Las Vegas as well as camping and fishing.

Shirley is survived by several nieces and nephews and one sister-in-law Ruth Strey. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters: Blanche, Tiny and Eileen; her two brothers: Ed and Leslie and her husband LuVerne in 2014.

Blessed Be Her Memory