Shirley Ann Christenson

Shirley Ann Christenson, 85, of Plainview, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, at Green Prairie Assisted Living.

Shirley was born on December 6, 1940, in Kellogg Highland Township, Minnesota, to Kermit and Esther (Utigard) Zickrick. She grew up in the Conception area and graduated from Plainview High School in 1958. On November 22, 1958, she married William Christenson in North Carolina. The couple later settled in the rural Plainview area, where they raised their family. They later divorced.

For more than 40 years, Shirley owned and operated an upholstery business, The Chair Affair, in rural Plainview. She was highly skilled at her craft and took great pride in transforming worn and forgotten pieces into works of beauty.

Shirley also worked for over 20 years in the dietary department at Olmsted Medical Center in Rochester, Minnesota. Known for her warm smile and friendly nature, she enjoyed visiting with everyone she met and made many lasting connections through her work.

Her love for horses began at an early age with her childhood pony and continued throughout her life. She remained passionate about horses and horseback riding and especially enjoyed trail riding with family and friends. Shirley also had a deep love for animals and cared for many special pets over the years. Her dog, Tinker, was a constant and faithful companion for many years. With a nurturing heart, she lovingly cared for each of her animals as part of her family. She was generous by nature and always had a soft spot for the underdog.

Shirley is survived by her children; Dawn (Ed Tomashek) Dick, Deb (Bill) Stamschror, and Cheryl (Bob) Reiter; ten grandchildren: Nick (Megan) Stamschror, Joe (Alexis) Stamschror, Rebecca (James) Jund, John (Corree) Stamschror, Craig (Cortni) Reiter, Patrick Reiter, Nate Stamschror, Bryan Reiter, Catherine Reiter, and Elizabeth Reiter; four great-grandchildren; Peyton, Brantley, Brynn, and Charlotte "Charlie"; and her brother, Richard (Susan) Zickrick.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, William Zickrick; her former husband, William Christenson; and her significant other of over 25 years, Lyle Moger.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Schad and Zabel Funeral Home, 57 3rd Street SW, Plainview, Minnesota, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service, with a luncheon to follow at the Plainview American Legion. Burial will take place at Greenfield Cemetery at a later date.