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April 24, 1932-Oct. 4, 2026
Mesa, Arizona
Shirley J. Moe passed away October 4, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona, at the age of 94. She was born on April 24, 1932, to Ole and Olga Lee. Shirley grew up on the Circle L Ranch near Carpio, ND and made many joyful memories with her brothers, sister, cousins, and friends. Even when times were hard, she demonstrated resilience and acceptance and always remarked on the generosity of neighbors and friends. These childhood experiences forged her strength as an adult.
She loved her childhood! She graduated in 1950 from Carpio High School as Valedictorian. Many of her school friends remained close throughout her life. Shirley's love of learning culminated in a teacher's certificate, and she would later teach in the similar single-room schoolhouses of her childhood.
Shirley met Robert Moe on a train to Kalispell, Montana. Robert was traveling to Fort Lewis with the Army National Guard, stationed in Korea, and they married in 1953. Together they raised four children in Minot, ND. She instilled in her children the love of learning, an appreciation for the arts, and respect for nature. Her compassion for others was demonstrated in classrooms, Sunday School, VBS, confirmation classes, and adult Bible studies. She was a leader in her church (Christ Lutheran). Shirley served as a Stephen's minister for many years and was an active member of PEO. She was a friend, neighbor, and a "good and faithful servant."
Shirley loved spending time with her grand/great-grandchildren. These were moments that gave us a glimpse into Grandma Shirley's silly side. Playful and wry, she made an indelible impression remembered fondly by all who knew her.
After her husband's retirement, Shirley and Bob spent several years on Little McDonald Lake near Perham, MN, Cavalier, ND, and returning to Perham, MN. After 64 years of marriage, Robert passed away in 2017, and she moved to Arizona to be closer to family. She spent the last nine years at Fellowship Square's Memory Care facility.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Moe; her parents; her brothers, Don, Bobby, and Larry; and her sister, Viola Herzberg.
She is survived by her brother, Alan (Linda) Lee, and her children, Patricia (Dan) Berck, Gary (Erkan) Moe, Kathryn (Stan) Kirlin, and Karen (Kurt) Dennis; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be Friday, November 6th at 1:00 pm at Mountain View Funeral Home in Mesa, Arizona.
A graveside service will be held in the spring/summer of 2027 at the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery in Mandan.
Published by The Minot Daily News, October 17, 2026.