Shirley J. Bristlin

Shirley Bristlin (Hangaard) was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She peacefully left this world on the evening of June 10, 2022 at age 79, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born to Charles and Alma (Haag) Hangaard on December 24, 1942 in Roseau, Minnesota.

Shirley married Donald E. Bristlin on Valentines Day of 1992. They spent 18 great years together, enjoying music festivals, traveling and spending time with their friends and family until Donny passed away in 2010.

She graduated from Moorhead High School in the spring of 1960. Following graduation, Shirley spent many years cooking in a variety of restaurants, including the VFW, American Legion and Eagles Club in Detroit Lakes. She started a new career as office manager for the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 126, and dedicated 16 years with Local 126 until she retired.

Shirley loved spending time in the kitchen, creating delicious meals and baked goods for her family and friends. Her love of cooking stemmed from an early age, where she learned many skills from her mother, helping prepare orders at her parents restaurant, Pike’s Bay, located in Cormorant, MN. She was a skilled piano, organ, violin and accordion player who could play music by ear. She had a true artistic talent for drawing and painting as well as many additional hobbies which included gardening, reading, bird watching, dancing, sewing/knitting/crocheting and going to casinos. She also loved playing games with her loved ones, including pinochle, cribbage, dice, and was very talented at scrabble. Shirley loved country music and attended the WE Fest Country Music Festival in Detroit Lakes the past 38 years.

She was a dedicated member to the American Legion Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and Fraternal Order of Eagles, all in Detroit Lakes.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Alma Hangaard; her infant brother, Robert Hangaard; and her beloved husband and best friend, Donald “Donny” Bristlin.

Shirley is survived by her children, Rick (Cindy) Olson of Newberg, OR, Brad (Lori) Olson of Vancouver, WA, Lorelei “Lori” Phillips of Fargo, ND and Tammy (Mike) Fagerlie of Detroit Lakes, MN; her siblings, Joyce Britten of Fargo, ND, Lyman (Mary) Hangaard of Ocala, FL and Ramona “Mona” Arnold of Fargo, ND; her step children, Kim King, Brent (Jennifer) Bristlin, and LuAnn (Joann) Bristlin; her grandchildren, Jennifer Olson, Hanna Olson, Michael Olson, Maria Olson, Karlee Phillips, Alexis Birky, Hailey Birky, Cortney Birky and Braden Birky; her beloved dog, Trixie Bristlin; and seven great grandchildren; along with many great friends, cousins and nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service for Shirley will be held Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 10am in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead, MN.

Shirley was always the “life of the party.” She will also be honored in a celebration of life on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 4pm – 7pm, at the Detroit Lakes VFW. Food will be provided.