Shirley G. Bergeman, 73, of Stirum, ND, passed away January 24, 2012 at Essentia Health, Fargo, ND.

Shirley was born in the family home near Stirum, on September 15, 1938 to John and Ella (Brockman) Mathias. She grew up and attended school in the Stirum area. Shirley was united in marriage to Lawrence Bergeman June 10, 1956 at Immanuel Lutheran Church near Stirum. They made their home near Stirum, where she raised their four children. Shirley enjoyed being a bus driver for the Gwinner Public School for many years. Over the years, she also worked at Dahl Super Valu, Gwinner, Good Samaritan Center, Oakes, and was a waitress at the Chalet in Oakes, the Oakes Café, and the Steakout in Lisbon. Lawrence passed away September 18, 2009.

Shirley was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, and later became a member of Zion Lutheran Church. She loved to read and she also loved being on the farm.

Shirley is survived by her special friend, Rich Beaver, Gwinner, ND; four children, Sherie Koby, Lake Park, MN, Larry (Vicky) Bergeman, Stirum, ND, Bonnie (Eddie) Schillinger, Wahpeton, ND, and David (Angela) Bergeman, Forman, ND; eight grandchildren, Lacey Koby, Chanz Koby, Brittni Bergeman, Adam Ladwig, Eric Bergeman, Ethan Bergeman, Emmett Bergeman, and Addison Bergeman; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Harley (Judy) Mathias, Valley City, ND and Stan (Angeline) Mathias, Casselton, ND; and a sister, Bev Benda, Oakes, ND. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Lawrence, and brother, Marion John Mathias.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 27, 2012 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 7:00 p.m. at Dahlstrom Funeral Home, Oakes. Her funeral will be Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Gwinner, ND, with burial to follow at Immanuel Cemetery near Stirum.