Obituary of Wilma Arlene Shape

Wilma Arlene Shape

February 8, 1933 — July 18, 2023

Preceded in death by husband, Bill; daughter, Becky; brother, Eugene & sister, Peggy. Survived by children, Mark (Jodi) Shape & Todd Shape; grandchildren, Angie, Joe, Alissa, & Claire; brother, Kenneth. Memorial Service at RIVERWIND COMMUNITY CENTER (2701 Northdale Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids) Saturday August 12, 11-1 PM.

Wilma was born in the middle of a snowstorm to Arland and Evelyn Thorstad in Marion, ND. She grew up as the second of four children. Eugene, the oldest, Margaret “Peggy” Pedersen, her younger sister, and Kenneth “Kenny”, her younger brother. As a young girl, Wilma played basketball (a passion that carried throughout her life). She and her team placed twice in state tournaments. While she struggled with reading Wilma enjoyed activities with her peers, including attending dances and music festivals and spending many snow days together. 

Wilma met the love of her life William “Bill” Shape at a carnival and, following his service in the US Army, they married. Wilma and Bill had their first child, Rebecca “Becky” Stahl shortly after their move to Minneapolis and their wedding in spring of 1954. Mark and Todd followed, which completed her family. Anyone who knew Wilma well knows that she loved telling stories of the shenanigans of both her kids and her husband, including their many travels back and forth across the United States. Wilma is also survived by four grandchildren, Angie, Joe, Alissa, and Claire, of whom she said were “the great joy of her life”. 

Wilma was a dedicated servant of her Lord, the Lutheran Church, and of her community. She was a survivor of many illnesses and health scares and returned service as a volunteer to Veteran’s Hospitals, the Spring Lake Park VFW, and at other hospitals in the Twin Cities. Wilma worked as a paraprofessional for the Spring Lake Park School District, supporting students in Special Education with Emotional and Behavioral Needs. As a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Blaine, MN, Wilma would often help with funerals, making salads and desserts as she was known for. 

Though the loss of Wilma is felt by many family and friends, we know she is at peace and at rest in the kingdom of heaven.