Shirley Heldstab, 87

Shirley Ann Keehr Heldstab, 87, passed away on July 4, 2023 in Kalispell.

She was born to Jesse and Maggie Keehr in Wauchope, Saskatchewan, on May 10, 1936.

The Keehr’s immigrated to Bemidji, Minnesota, when the four kids (Juanita, Bert, Fred, and Shirley) were young.

Shirley and her high school sweetheart, Guy, married shortly after graduation, in 1954. Vicky came along in 1956 and Mom asked Dad to get us out of this 40 degree Minnesota weather. Guy found the Flathead Valley on the way to California and moved Shirley and Vicky out here on the train.

In 1957 they welcomed son, Lance and then Mitch in 1959; having three children in three years, Shirley found those days filled with diapers and dinners, the kids remember a youth filled with dinner parties, camping and good friends raising kids together.

After the kids were grown, Shirley found herself branching out into a variety of positions in the community; Teacher’s Aide, Checker at the B&B, her stint at the Park Merc clothing store, Barmaid at Rex’s and The Columbia Bar.

You’d often find her on the golf course, softball field, or bowling alley, but Shirley’s real passion was in cards. Running local poker tables, playing with family and friends, and in her later years she found a challenge that suited her, bridge. She cherished her days meeting friends to play bridge.

Sadly, her mind started to falter, and in March of 2023 she suffered a stroke. She finished her life being cared for at Immanuel Lutheran Home visited frequently by Guy, the kids, family and friends.

She was proceeded in death by her mom, Maggie; father Jesse; and sister, Juanita.

She will be remembered by Guy, her husband of 69 years; Vicky and her kids Guy (Ciara), Karissa, Lance (Patty Jo) and their kids Amy (Tom) and Arin, Mitch (Leigh) and their kids Jesse (Randilyn) and Lindsey; lots of great-grandkids; brothers, Bert (Marilyn) and Fred; brother-in-law, Dale; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Immanuel Lutheran Home who cared for Mom at the end.

Shirley's memorial will be held at 11 a.m. on July 21, at Columbia Mortuary. To send online condolences please visit www.columbiamortuary.com