Shirley Ann (May) Zipf

Beloved wife, mother and grandmother Shirley Ann (May) Zipf of Woodbury, MN passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026. She was born January 17, 1950, in Evanston, Illinois, to Roy and Lillian (Schafer) May. Shirley grew up on the family farm near Andover, SD.

In fourth grade, she began attending school in Bristol, SD, where she met her future husband. In August of 1968, Shirley married her high school sweetheart, Randy Zipf, and together they shared over 57 years of marriage. They raised two children, Ryan Zipf and Dawn (Zipf) Daley. Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, and proud grandmother to six grandchildren.

Shirley earned a Bachelor of Science in Education graduating summa cum laude with a business major and English minor from Northern State College. She later completed her Master of Library and Information Science from Dominican University/St. Catherine’s University. Education meant a lot to Shirley, and she tirelessly supported her husband, children and grandchildren’s educational pursuits. She enjoyed a long and fulfilling career, most notably at 3M, where she worked for more than 26 years until 2015.

Her life was guided by her faith and commitment to family. She enjoyed decorating, music, photography, cooking, reading and travel. Above all, she treasured time spent with her children and grandchildren.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Lillian May, and her brother, Lyn May. She is survived by her loving husband, Randy Zipf; their children, Ryan (Donna) Zipf and Dawn Daley; her six grandchildren Stephanie (Billy) McNicholas; Timothy Daley; Julia Daley; Emily Zipf (Max Marron); Sarah Zipf, Eric Zipf; sisters Barbara Konechne and Sharon (Larry) Steffan; Aunt June and Uncle Steve Belohavy, sisters-in-law Linda Johnston (Mike Cahill) and Sandy (Dan) Flanagan, and many extended family members and friends.

Visitation will occur on February 18, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at O’Halloran & Murphy in Woodbury, and funeral mass on February 19, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Woodbury with a visitation from 10:00 to11:00 am. A private internment will occur at Resurrection cemetery in Mendota Heights.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the University of Minnesota Foundation’s Goldy’s Run Charity (pediatric cardiovascular research and care) or Northern State University to fund scholarships in honor of Shirley.

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