Shirley Ann Krenik

SHIRLEY ANN (LAMONT) KRENIK, age 89 of Elysian, passed away peacefully at her home on September 4, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Shirley was born on February 10, 1937, at her family farm in rural Elysian to Lawrence and Lucile (Sperl) Lamont. She attended country school one mile from the farm and graduated from Waterville High School in 1954. She then attended Mankato Commercial College where she received business training.

During her younger years, Shirley helped her father on the family farm with field work and milking cows. She possessed a beautiful singing voice and shared her talents at church services and many weddings. She was also a gifted pianist. After graduation she worked for Mankato Stone Company, where she met her first husband Frank Howard. They were married June 22,1957 at the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Waterville, and made their home in Mankato. Together they were blessed with two children, Theresa A. and Michael L. They later divorced in 1974.

Shirley worked at Mankato Stone for five years before beginning a successful career in sales with Playhouse Toy Company. She found her niche as a salesperson, and quickly rose to the top of her region, earning a bonus trip to Spain. In February 1972, she joined Woodmen Accident & Life Insurance Company, where she built a thriving insurance business and continued working until her retirement in November 2019 at the age of 81.

At Woodmen, Shirley made history by earning 10 consecutive President's Club trips, each requiring two years of qualifying sales. She also earned a place on the President's Cabinet and remains the only woman to have achieved Life Membership in the President's Club.

In 1976, Shirley met Tom Krenik, her "Tiger", who swept her off her feet. After a four-year courtship they were married in December 1980 at Peace United Methodist in Richfield, Minnesota, and settled into their home in Elysian where they lived for the next nearly 46 years of marriage. Through her marriage to Tom, Shirley gained five children: Kurt, Keith, Karl, Linda, and Julie. Their growing family filled holidays, celebrations, and everyday life with laughter, love, and countless memories.

Shirley and Tom shared many good times with family and friends over their lifetime together. They loved to dance, travel (including favorite trips to Hawaii and Scotland), and play 500 and other card games for hours. Shirley loved going to the casino and had amazing luck playing the slots!

Shirley's other passion in life was picking blueberries in northern Wisconsin. She was known there as "the Blueberry Lady", spending upwards of six weeks every summer picking blueberries and selling them at a stand in Danbury. She bought a lake cabin in Webb Lake as a home base in the area. This was truly her happy place where she spent countless treasured hours with family and friends.

Another great passion was researching genealogy on the Lamont family. She spent countless hours tracking down family history and stories and gathered enough information to fill a museum! She traced ancestors all the way back to the 1300's in Scotland, even visiting the LaMont Castle there.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought Shirley much happiness throughout the years. She found great joy in sharing her love of gardening, family history, and the cabin with them. Some of her most treasured memories were the hours spent together planting flowers and vegetables, picking blueberries, exploring the outdoors, and making memories that will be cherished for generations.

Shirley spent her life in service to others. She provided care to several elderly family members and friends and was often entrusted to help settle estates and assist with financial matters.

Shirley was Chairman of the Board for her church in North Mankato and served on its building committee for a new church. She also spent many years on the Singing Hills Girl Scout Camp Board of Advisors, as a large portion of the camp land belonged to her family when she was growing up. Shirley was also on the LeSueur County Historical Society Board of Directors, serving as its president for a couple of years.

Shirley had a deep love for her family and will be missed by all. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband; Tom Krenik; son, Mike Howard; son-in-law, Randy Mees; grandchildren, Isaak Mees, Leah (Jason) Lewis, Kari Mees; great grandchildren Wyatt, Adeline and Emilee Lewis; sister Ruth (John) Jansen; nieces Angel (Dan) Oehrlein, Sharry Lorenzi & Bobbi Jo Lamont. Many Great nieces and nephews; Bonus children, Kurt, Keith, and Karl Krenik, Linda (Mike) Tohal, Julie (Steve) Tiede.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Theresa Mees, brother Curtis LaMont, and niece Clarissa Lamont.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Waterville, MN, luncheon to follow. Shirley's family will greet guests at a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Elysian following the luncheon for family and anyone that wishes to join.