Shirley Moklestad

Shirley Glee Moklestad, 90 of Thompson, died Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021 at the Lake Mills Care Center. Funeral services for Shirley will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 183 2nd Ave. E. in Thompson, with Pastor Zech Anderson officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, Nov. 5 at Schott Funeral Home, 505 North Clark St., Forest City. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson.

Shirley Glee Moklestad was born February 8, 1931 in Popejoy, Iowa, the daughter of Theodore and Blanche (Jackson) Thompson. She graduated from Thompson High School in 1948. Upon graduation from high school, she continued her education at Waldorf College, and then taught for one year in a one room country school southwest of Thompson.

She met the love of her life, Robert Moklestad, at the roller skating rink in Forest City. They were married on June 4, 1950 and started their married life farming the family farm just west of Forest City. In 1954, they moved to Thompson and continued farming on a farm located just north of town. In 1977, they moved to Shirley’s childhood homestead, where they built a new home and continued the farming operation until Bob’s retirement in 1991. They remained on the family farm until 2017, when they moved to Forest Plaza in Forest City, and then in 2021 moved to the Lake Mills Care Center.

Shirley loved to spend time in the kitchen, and among her favorite things to bake were cinnamon rolls with almond flavored frosting, kringla, and butterhorns. She was often overheard at family gatherings saying, “I love it when they eat, Bob.” She loved getting together with family and friends and sharing food and fellowship together. Through the years, Bob and Shirley enjoyed many friendships playing their favorite game of 500 with two card clubs for over 50 years. The annual neighborhood 4th of July picnic was always one of mom’s favorite events.

Shirley was a long-time member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson and was involved with Lutheran Church Women, Circle, Ladies Aid and Bible studies. Another of Mom’s favorite things was joining her friends after Sunday morning worship for coffee and conversation.

Shirley cherished the time she spent with her family and always loved a party. She was loved by so many but held a special place in the hearts of all of her grandchildren and always enjoyed attending their athletic events and other activities. She was truly a selfless person and a wonderful caregiver and provider for her family. Putting together a fantastic lunch during hay baling season was always a highlight; lunch was so good it was difficult to go back to work! Shirley was a warm and loving soul and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 71 years, Robert Moklestad; sister, Joy Dee Bray. Brother and sister-in-law, Norman and Mavis Moklestad; children, Roger (Pat) Moklestad of Thompson, Larry (MaryAnn) Moklestad of Ankeny and Mary (Scott) Mathiasen of Forest City; eight grandchildren, David (Nancy) Moklestad, Jeremy (Heidi) Moklestad, Katie (Jonathan) Owens, Nicole (Jared) Stines, Traci (Jason) Foster, Chad Moklestad, Jonathan Mathiasen (fiancée Amanda Hintz), Maggie Mathiasen; eight great-grandchildren, Megan (Moklestad), Ruth, Reed, Russell, Rosemary (Owens), Caroline, Ike (Stines) and Emma (Foster). Shirley is also survived by many nieces, nephews and countless friends.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Blanche Thompson; her brother, Jim Thompson, and sister-in-law, Charlaine Thompson.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

Schott Funeral Homes in Forest City is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence, visit www.schottfuneralhomes.com