Loving wife and mother, Shirley Ann Thul, 89, of Duluth, Minnesota, passed peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019.

Shirley was born Aug. 11, 1930, in Winona, Minnesota. She graduated from Mankato High School, Mankato, Minnesota. On June 12, 1951, Shirley married the love of her life, Nicholas Dale Thul; that’s when her life’s adventure began. Shirley and Nick had a remarkable life together, raising six children, creating a loving home for their family, spending time at the lake, and traveling the world. Shirley’s special gift was making a beautiful house a home for everyone who entered. Her talents were many, and included decorating, sewing, cooking, painting, genealogy, stained-glass work, and creating magical holidays for her family. The quintessential mom, Shirley nurtured her entire family with amazing love and care. She was loved dearly by her family and friends. Shirley was the very best wife and mother. She was a loving, kind, and generous woman who touched the lives of many. Shirley was truly lovely, inside and out. Her beautiful blue eyes and joy-filled smile will be missed every single day. Shirley was an active member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church, Austin, Minnesota. Along with her husband Nick, Shirley owned and operated Midwest Business Systems, Inc. in Duluth. She was a member of the Hilltoppers Lions Club as Lioness.

Shirley is survived by her children, Mark (Kathryn) of Iron River, Wisconsin, Deb (Mike) Clingman of Duluth, Mary Lynn (Brian) Connors of Citrus Heights, California, David (Cathy) of Hibbing, Minnesota, Nancy (Todd) Knutson of Hayward, Wisconsin and Scott (Carol) of Superior, Wisconsin; 10 grandchildren, Jennifer, Nick, Lisa, Jeffrey, Julie, Abby, Alex, Tucker, Allie, and Hannah; and six great-grandchildren, Anna, Ryan, Cera, Maxwell, Emma, and Tally. Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband of over 64 years, Nicholas D. Thul; parents, Lorna Clark and Arthur Heimann; her sister, Mary True; and brother, Robert Heimann.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Duluth. There will be a 10 a.m. visitation and 11 a.m. service, followed by a luncheon for family and friends. If desired, memorials may be directed to www.SmileTrain.org.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home. 600 East 2nd St.