Shirley Minnie Reckner

Shirley Minnie Wohlenhaus was born on September 21, 1931, in Wheaton, Minnesota, to Howard and Bernice (McLain) Wohlenhaus. She was baptized on November 15, 1931, by Rev. Theodore Heine and confirmed by Rev. E. Hallstein, both at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton. Shirley graduated from Wheaton High School in 1949.

When Shirley was just fifteen years old, her mother Bernice passed away in 1946, and Shirley grew up quickly. After high school, she worked at the Traverse County Treasurer’s Office from 1949 to 1950. On April 14, 1951, she married LeRoy Reckner of Norcross, Minnesota. Together they were blessed with three sons: Jon, Joel, and Jim.

A lifelong and devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church, Shirley was active in St. John LWML and the Rachel and Elizabeth church circles. She served faithfully in many leadership roles, including Treasurer of the Minnesota North District LWML, the Wheaton Zone LWML, St. John LWML, and various church circles. She also served for many years on St. John’s funeral committee. Beyond her church work, Shirley volunteered with the Traverse County NFO, the American Cancer Society, the Wheaton Senior Center, and Meals on Wheels. In the 1960s, she worked in the office at Wheaton Hospital.

After LeRoy underwent pancreatic cancer surgery and treatments, the couple moved from their farm in Norcross to the Trail Street Apartments in Wheaton in 1995. LeRoy passed away on July 25, 2010.

Shirley enjoyed playing bridge, bowling, walking, watching sports, and spending time on her computer. In 2006, she was honored with induction into the Wheaton Senior Hall of Fame.

Shirley passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Sanford Hospital in Wheaton, at the age of 94.

She is survived by her son Jim Reckner (Chris Myers) of Wheaton; sister-in-law JoAnn Wohlenhaus of Rosholt, SD; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her adopted family, Sienna and her daughter Olivia Anderson.

She was preceded in death by her husband LeRoy; sons Jon and Joel; brother Lyle Wohlenhaus; daughter-in-law Joanne Reckner; parents Howard and Bernice Wohlenhaus; parents-in-law Earl and Mary Reckner; brother- and sister-in-law Albert and Amy Reckner; and her adopted daughter Suzann Near.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, with Rev. Dan Gifford officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Wildwood Cemetery in Wheaton.