Shirley Jane Bethke

Shirley Jane Bethke, 98, of Saint Paul, passed away on April 17, 2025.  A Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Episcopal Homes in Saint Paul. 

Shirley was born on April 30, 1926 to Elmer and Myrtle (Cram) Peterson.  She attended and graduated from Mahtomedi High School and received a B.A. degree from Macalester College in Saint Paul.  Shirley was employed at Great Northern-Burlington Northern Railway in Saint Paul for 33 years in the Transportation Division.  Shirley also taught one year at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis and for several years Night School at Mechanic Arts High School and Rasmussen Business College.  

Shirley was a proud representative of A.A.U.W. (St. Paul College Club) and Professional Secretaries, now I.A.A.P.  She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church since 1946 and associate member of Venice Presbyterian Church since 1985.

Shirley was married to Henry Schreiber from 1976 to 1988 and married Fred Bethke on November 20, 1990. 

In retirement, Shirley began to spend her winters at the Kings Gate Club in Nokomis, Florida.  In her spare time Shirley enjoyed playing bridge and other card games with friends, reading and traveling.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Fred Bethke.  She is survived by one step-son, John; twin granddaughters; and cousins.