By Krista Starkovich
On Sunday, November 9th, Shirley VanHouse celebrated her 90th birthday! Many gathered to share memories, celebrate and honor her many contributions, and to thank her for the incredible impact she has made on the community over the years.
Shirley has deep roots in Silver Bay, Minnesota. She moved to Silver Bay from Bemidji, Minnesota, when the town was just being built. A time when children attended school in houses, and the community was still under construction. Though the family temporarily moved to North Dakota when the local mine shut down, they soon returned to continue building a life and family. The VanHouse family has since had a large and positive impact on Silver Bay, operating several businesses while continuously supporting the community they cherish. The younger generations have proudly followed in Shirley’s footsteps, making a difference in the town.
For decades, Shirley contributed to her community through countless acts of service and her professional work. She was employed at Zup’s Grocery for 24 years, and later at the Country Club located at the Silver Bay Golf Course for many years. She has famously catered almost 200 weddings and events throughout the years as well. One of her greatest joys was taking care of many children in the community. She became like a grandmother to them.
Shirley was well-known for bringing holiday joy, serving as the Easter Bunny and Mrs. Santa Claus for the children of Silver Bay. She was also involved in Job’s Daughters Eastern Star, a Masonic organization that focuses on character development, spiritual growth, and service.
Shirley has always embraced an active lifestyle and prioritized family. In her past, she enjoyed riding motorcycles and snowmobiling, often making a post-adventure “lunch” for her snowmobiling group, even at 3 or 4 a.m. She participated in four bowling leagues and even won a State Tournament!
Today, her favorite pastimes include spending time with her family and watching her grandkids and great-grandkids participate in sports. She has also enjoyed traveling to places like the Czech Republic, Hawaii, Florida, and Mexico, often bringing her grandchildren along. She even traveled to New York just to watch a family member play hockey. She has especially enjoyed watching her son, Steve, and grandsons, Derek and Deven, compete in stock car, snowmobile, and dirt bike races.
Even in her 90th year, Shirley remains a vibrant and generous member of the community. She recently baked over 300 cinnamon rolls for the road construction workers in town as a thank you for their hard work, and annually makes treats for local businesses during the holidays. Recently, she prepared a full turkey dinner for her church members and made soup for the Veterans’ Day Soup get-together.
Shirley has a beautiful collection of over 300 angels, many of which are gifts that hold special memories. She also loves decorating her home and yard for the holidays.
Shirley’s pastor, Tom, beautifully summed up her character, describing her as a “sweet, compassionate, and loving soul” who continues to love and serve in so many ways. The overwhelming outpour of community support is a true testament to the incredible impact Shirley VanHouse has made throughout her 90 wonderful years. I think her secret to a long and successful life is staying busy, helping others, and surrounding herself with loving people. She is truly loved and cherished. Happy birthday, Shirley VanHouse.
