Shirley Louise Groff

Shirley Louise Groff, age 99, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, July 28, 2024, at St. Mark’s Living in Austin. Shirley Oleson was born on February 8, 1925, in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph and Lucy (Tabb) Oleson. She graduated from Northwood High School in 1943. She later received a Cosmetology diploma from La’James College of Beaute Culture in Mason City, Iowa. Upon her college graduation, Shirley worked for four years at the Hollywood Beauty Shop in Mason City. On August 19, 1950, she married James Groff in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Together they made their home in Albert Lea, where Shirley became a homemaker and mother to her two children. Shirley and her family relocated to Austin in the late 1950s. Shirley lived for her beloved congregation at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota. She could be found daily at the church, volunteering her time quilting or cooking in the kitchen. She also enjoyed teaching Sunday School and mentoring confirmation students. During the Mower County fair week, she would be found working hard in the St. Olaf Church diner. Shirley was known for her constant smile. Her favorite outside activities were taking long walks and working in her yard. Shirley’s greatest joy was spending time with her beloved family.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Janet (John) Westendorf of Austin; two grandchildren, Jeffrey (Alicia) Westendorf of Austin, MN, and James (Crystal) Westendorf of Woodbury, MN. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Lucy Oleson; husband, James Groff; son, Thomas Groff; daughter-in-law, Cindy Groff; and brother, James Oleson.

A memorial service for Shirley will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin. Interment will be in Cedar City Cemetery, rural Austin, Minnesota. Family requests any memorials be sent to the St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Services are prearranged and performed by Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes.