Obituary of Shirley (Penney) Sundeen

Shirley (Penney) Sundeen, 92, passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family who cherished, adored, and loved her so much. Shirley passed away on May 18, 2023 at her home in St. Francis, MN.

She was born on November 15, 1930, in Anoka, Minnesota, to Erwin and Emma (Steindorf) Penney.

She married Marvin Sundeen on June 18, 1948, in Anoka, MN. They were happily married for 45 years until his death in 1994.

She was preceded in death by her husband; Marvin Sundeen, parents; Erwin and Emma Penney; brothers, Laverne, Allen, Paul, Sidney; sisters, Myrtle and Doris, great granddaughter; Madalyn Kovarik, son-in-law Thurmon Simmons, brother/sister-in-law; Edwin and Carol Sundeen, Robert and Lou Sundeen, Kenneth Sundeen, Harry Sundeen, Myrtis Magnuson. She is survived by her children; Sherry (Doug) Whittlef, Thomas Sundeen, Nancy Simmons, Marvin (Christine) Sundeen Jr., and Gayle Sundeen, grandchildren; Chad, Rhea, Cade, Kara, Adrienne, Jason (Jamie), Zeke, Joel (Katie), Alyssa (Logan); great grandchildren; Oliver, Callum, Trinity, Ronin, Taylor, Ava, Blake, Taytum, Noelle; sister-in-law; Darlene Penney, Doris Sundeen; brother/sister-in law; Bill and Greta Sundeen; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Shirley was known for her great cooking and baking skills. Her children remember coming home after school to the smell of cookies, cakes, or breads baking. Her children’s friends always loved coming to the Sundeen household to take part in the eating of the treats. The only fault of her cooking was that it made her kids fat. Shirley worked as a cook for the St. Francis School District and she was the head cook at St. Francis High School when she retired in 1982. After retiring, she enjoyed many fun years at the cabin and traveling around the United States with Marv. After Marv had passed, she enjoyed traveling with her favorite sister, Doris. Shirley was also known for her kind, compassionate, caring, loving heart.

The family would like to thank Allina Hospice workers for their wonderful care, compassion, and love they showed our mother during her final year. There are no words to describe how much we appreciate the hard work they did to keep Mom comfortable. We are also grateful for the help of Denice Aaron who helped care for Mom.

Memorial Service: July 22, 2023 at 11:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 S 4th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303. Visitation begins one hour prior to service. Luncheon to follow the memorial service. Private interment at West Oak Grove Cemetery, Oak Grove, MN.

The family asks that donations be made to Disabled American Veterans or Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers.