Shirley Ilene Bengtson (Schneider) passed away peacefully on December 6th, 2025.  Despite her decline with dementia Shirley continued to display the traits many knew her for throughout her life: her deep faith, strength, warmth, kindness, sense of humor and her unwavering love for her family.

Shirley was born on July 17, 1941 in Langdon, North Dakota to Walter and Helena Schneider. She later moved to Minnesota where she met her husband, Melvin "Chet", Bengtson while attending Sebeka High School. They were married on July 4th, 1961 at St. Hubert's Catholic Church in Blue Grass, Minnesota.

Throughout their marriage, Shirley and Mel lived in various communities, including Aberdeen, South Dakota; Coon Rapids, Minnesota; Wadena, Minnesota; and Rosemount, Minnesota. In 1969 they settled in Sebeka, Minnesota where they raised their children.

Shirley worked various jobs over the years before retiring in April 2007. Following her retirement, she volunteered at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Rosemount, where she helped in the garden and assisted with funeral lunches. Through this service, she formed many close friendships.  Shirley was known as a hardworking, selfless individual who gave generously of her time and care throughout her life.

She also enjoyed watching her grandchildren participating in their activities and was always on the lookout for additions to her Kewpie doll collection. She spent many years working alongside Mel at the Minnesota State Fair.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Mel; her parents, Walter and Helena Schneider; her sisters Betty Swenson, Mary Ann Bothun, and Doretta Swenson; her brother Donald Schneider; her parents-in-law, Melvin and Amber Bengtson.

She is survived by her children: Sherry (Steve) Beckey, Michael (Cathy) Bengtson, Sheila (Jeff Houdeshell) Bengtson; her grandchildren Sarah and Maria; her sisters Marge Schneider and Helen (Jim) Oestriech; Mel's siblings, Doug (Kathy) Bengtson, Connie (Charley) Smith, Christine (Joe) Bernstetter and many, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Rosemount, Minnesota with visitation one hour prior to the service. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 at White Funeral Home in Apple Valley, Minnesota.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church and School in Rosemount, Minnesota.