Shirley Lindholm

Shirley McWilliams Sefrna Lindholm was born May 15, 1923 in Alpena, SD. She was the third child born to George Everett McWilliams and Fannie Alice Lund. Her favorite activates in her teenage years during the depression were concerts, swimming, long walks, hiking, softball, and skating at the roller rink. Her favorite season was Christmas, her favorite color was pink, and her favorite flowers were roses and pansies.

During her teens she worked as a life guard at the city pool; at the Huron, SD, hospital as a clerk, and she also cared for an elderly lady in her home. She met her first husband Raymond Joseph Sefrna through a mutual friend. She was 17 and he was 20. He said he fell in love with her on their first date. They were married December 19, 1942 in Montgomery, Alabama.
In the early 70's, Shirley and her husband Ray were house parents in Lincoln, NE at a home for troubled teenage girls. Decades later many of the girls kept in touch with her and Ray and called them "Mr. and Mrs.". Shirley had many fond memories from that time.

Their only child, Cherrylee Sefrna Bradt was born January 6, 1946. She was truly the light of their life. Shirley remembered her as being such a good child, respectful, smart and beautiful. She was always proud of her daughter's achievements and her kind heart and soul. Her only granddaughter, Jaci Watson was born on September 22, 1967. Shirley remembered her as being so beautiful, intelligent, strong-willed and precious. Jaci spent many wonderful summers with her grandparents and has many fond memories of them. Shirley's only great-grandchild was born on 10-12-2002, Matthew Ryan Watson. Matthew is a "blessing to the family and so cherished and loved."

Shirley married her second husband Vern Lindholm in 1996 in Keystone, SD. After Vern's passing in 2000, Shirley maintained her residence in Crawford, tending to her lawn and flower gardens until the time she moved to the Ponderosa Villa in 2015.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, brother Harley (Fid) McWilliams, sister Phyllis (Karl) Gaulke and husbands Raymond (his sister's and brother), Vern, and a special friend LaVerne Norman.

She is survived by daughter, Cherrylee (Jack) Bradt of Keystone, SD, Granddaughter Jaci Watson and great-grandson Matthew Watson of Sedona, Arizona, Sister JoAnn Norman of Whitney, Nebraska, Step-Daughter Karen (Jeff) Stump of Lincoln, Nebraska. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Shirley's wish for family and loved ones was to remember, "When I am no longer on the Earth, my deep enduring love for you will be with you for all eternity".

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