Mrs. Shirley J. Fanger

Shirley J. Fanger Saginaw, Michigan Shirley J. Fanger, age 93, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, in Saginaw, Michigan with family by her side and under the loving care of the compassionate staff at Edgewood Assisted Living. Shirley leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and deep faith. Born March 29, 1932, Shirley was a lifelong resident of the Saginaw and Bay City areas. She married her beloved husband, Robert C. Fanger, on April 26, 1952. He predeceased her on December 25, 2010. Shirley is survived by her three children and their spouses: Mark and Beth Fanger of St. Charles, Missouri; Bethany and Jeff Jones of Midland, Michigan; and Gretchen and Scott Barry of Foresthill, California. She was the proud grandmother of Loren Soltish, Lyndsay Menz, Brett Fanger, Trysta Jackson, Courtney Jeffrey, Lindsey Jones, and McKay Jones, and the delighted great-grandmother of twelve. She was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Agnes (Hensler) Klein; siblings Alfred R. Klein, Joanne Mynarzy, and Clifford J. Klein, and in-laws Edward Mynarzy and Jan Klein. She is survived by her dear brother Kenneth C. Klein, and in-laws Jeannette Klein, and Barbara Klein. Her family tree also includes many cherished nieces, nephews, and more than 50 cousins. A woman of deep faith, Shirley was baptized, confirmed, and married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Saginaw. She sang in the youth choir at Bethlehem and then as an adult at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Saginaw. Shirley graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1950 and worked at Dailey Pickle Company while her husband spent two years in Korea. After getting her youngest into school, she worked at Winkelman’s in downtown Saginaw then at Fashion Square, then started a career at Valley National Bank (Michigan National Bank) that spanned more than 20 years. She rose from teller to assistant vice president and branch manager. She was respected by colleagues and adored by customers. Shirley volunteered over 6,500 hours at Covenant Hospital, spent many years volunteering with the Ladies Aid Society at the church, and served on the board of the Bay Valley Condo Association. She participated in two card clubs with her dear girlfriends for more than 50 years. She would light up over a scoop of chocolate almond ice cream, Michigan football (Go Blue!), enjoyed Danielle Steel novels, the Hallmark Channel, and played a mean game of Euchre. She was often found in quiet contemplation—“just thinking,” which her family now realizes was her way of solving the world’s problems one peaceful moment at a time. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 808 Weiss, Saginaw, MI. The Rev. Gary L. Bender will officiate. Shirley will be laid to rest next to her husband Robert in Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Wakeman Funeral Home, Inc., 1218 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw, MI on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., and then at the church on Friday from 10:00 am until the time of service. The family asks that donations be made to the Bethlehem Lutheran School. Shirley’s life was a beautiful blend of devotion, humor, and heart. She taught us that legacy isn’t just what you leave behind, it’s how you live while you’re here. She will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered. The family also hopes that in the coming days you will sing a favorite hymn, enjoy some ice cream, or take in the beautiful fall colors in Michigan, the state that she adored.

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Mrs. Shirley J. Fanger

March 29, 1932 - September 6, 2025