Shirley Melanie Yahnke

Shirley Melanie Yahnke, of Perry, Iowa, formerly of Frost, Minnesota, was born January 29, 1957, to John and Mae Super. Surrounded by family, Shirley passed peacefully on September 29, 2026, as her beloved granddaughter Leah read to her.

In her final days, Shirley especially enjoyed having Leah and Rebekah read to her.

Shirley grew up in Glencoe, Minnesota, as “daughter number 3,” following her older sisters, Jane and Betty. A few years later, her younger brother, Paul, completed the family. Proud of her family name, she liked to say she was “born a Super and had Super genes.”

Growing up, Shirley attended Camp Farthest Out (CFO) with her family, creating some of her fondest childhood memories. It was there that she encountered the Holy Spirit, accepted the Lord as her Savior, and was baptized. Throughout her teen years, her relationship with the Lord deepened, and her faith became central to her identity.

After graduating high school in 1975, Shirley attended the University of Minnesota, where she studied elementary education. While attending the university, she met Marvin Yahnke of Lake Crystal, Minnesota. They married in 1980. Three years later, their first child, Rebekah Joy, was born, followed by Daniel, John, and Larissa.

Shirley’s life centered on her children and her love for the Lord. She homeschooled her children while also working as a waitress in Albert Lea, Minnesota. She was active in children’s ministry and loved participating in community theater. One of her favorite memories was playing a nun in “The Sound of Music” while pregnant with Larissa, with her older children also taking part in the production. She delighted in telling people about her time as a “pregnant nun.”

Shirley loved spreading laughter and hope. Larissa and Shirley managed a Facebook page together, “Funny Stuff,” which grew to more than 250,000 followers. She shared her love of humor with people around the world. She also had an online ministry where she shared testimonies, prayed for others, and reminded them how much the Lord loved them. Shirley had a gift for turning new connections into deep, meaningful relationships, building friendships across the globe.

Shirley loved old movies, especially those starring Jerry Lewis, and was fascinated by the Titanic. She enjoyed browsing thrift stores and visiting museums. She also loved faith-based films, including “War Room,” “Overcomer,” “Fireproof,” “The Shack,” and “Heaven Is for Real,” as well as the series “The Chosen.” She watched her favorites repeatedly and loved giving the films as gifts to people she knew and loved.

Shirley delighted in remembering birthdays and milestones. She shared beautiful videos and songs for people’s birthdays, along with heartfelt messages about what she loved and appreciated about them. She remembered little details that others might overlook and used them to make people feel known, loved, and special. She also made some of the best homemade chocolate pudding and cakes.

Shirley was a proud grandmother to Levi and Leah Thoren of Perry, Iowa, and Aliel and Jean Grimsell of George, South Africa. She loved reading books to her grandchildren. As Levi and Leah grew older, she enjoyed watching them perform in band, choir, and theater at Perry High School.

Shirley attended New Day Assembly of God in Perry, Iowa, with Rebekah and her children. She looked forward to worship each Sunday, singing praises to the Lord and being surrounded by fellow believers.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mae Super; her son, John Yahnke; her brother-in-law, Bahram Nikrad; and her infant grandchildren.

She is survived by her three children: Rebekah Thoren of Perry, Iowa; Daniel Yahnke and his wife, Nina, of Harper, Iowa; and Larissa Grimsell and her husband, George, of George, South Africa.

She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Levi and Leah Thoren and Aliel and Jean Grimsell; her sisters, Jane Nikrad of Fridley, Minnesota, and Betty Lindquist of Troy, Michigan; her brother, Paul Super of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews, and friends around the world.

Shirley is being cared for by Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home and Crematory in Perry, Iowa. A celebration of her life will be held at New Day Assembly of God in Perry on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 2 PM, with Pastor Greg Benton officiating.