Shirley Rae Bishop

Shirley Rae Bishop (Oltmans), age 78, of Mankato passed away on Monday, September 28, 2020. Private Services will be held. Northview-North Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Shirley was born on December 25, 1941 in Highwater Township, Cottonwood County Minnesota. She graduated from Lamberton High School. Shirley attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, and then worked in St. Paul. Her wandering spirit heard a calling and took her to Colorado and California to work. She came back to Minnesota to raise her family. As a single parent, raising two children, and working full time, she decided to return to school and took classes at Mankato State University and graduated with honors. She worked for Minnesota Valley Action Council/Head Start for 34 years serving in multiple roles and retiring as Program Director. She was actively involved in Santa Anonymous and 4-H as her children grew up. She cherished family vacations and adventures to the North Shore, Jamaica, Hawaiian, Caribbean, and Mexican cruises, and even trips to the casino. Shirley loved to shop and only bought things that made her smile.

Shirley is survived by her children, Janelle (Dennis) Eggersdorfer, and Thomas (Shannon) Bishop; grandchildren, Garett Eggersdorfer (Tommi Wolfe), Zachary Eggersdorfer, Ashley Dostal, and Tara (Ben) Freitag; siblings, Dennis (Peggy) Oltmans, Debra (Bennett) Hillesheim, and Dawn Oltmans. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Irene Oltmans; brother, Gary Oltmans, and nephew, Matthew Oltmans.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to VINE, or Mending Spirits Humane Society.