Shirley Theve ( Samdal) Lichtenwald

Mrs. Shirley (Samdal) Lichtenwald of Vassar, formerly of Millington, passed from our world into God’s Kingdom with her family at her side early Sunday morning December 3, 2023, at the age of 94.

Shirley was born in South Bend, Indiana on October 4, 1929, and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Ruth [Collard] Kuhlman. Shirley married Alfred Samdal who has preceded her in death. Shirley later married Victor Lichtenwald. Victor also has preceded her in death. Shirley for many years worked at Weber’s IGA in the Bakery. 

Shirley had an incredible record of volunteer work and community service. She was a fixture at the GFWC, Greater Federation of Women's Clubs - Millington Chapter. She served in leadership roles, both at the local chapter and district levels. Her efforts helped the local chapter win multiple "club of the year" awards at the state GFWC conventions.

Shirley had a passion for supporting Girlstown (now Guiding Harbor) and frequently made herself available as a mentor or tutor for local students. A woman of deep and abiding faith, she made sure to preserve hours in the week for active membership at her church, St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Richville, Michigan. In her later years, Shirley spent many hours volunteering her time at the Millington Community Center. 

Besides her husbands Alfred and Victor, Shirley is also preceded in death by four brothers: Bob, Joe, Dick, and Tom Kuhlman, a daughter Marjorie Samdal, granddaughter Melissa Bayette, and a son in-law Corky Meinecke.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memory her five children; Bill (Cathy) Samdal, Valerie Meinecke, Mike (Jane) Samdal, Patty (Terry) Castle, and Daniel (Teresa) Samdal. She leaves several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Shirley leaves her siblings, brother Jim (Connie) Kuhlman, and a sister Karen (Wayne) Vermilya and several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

There will be a celebration of Shirley’s life at 11:00 am Monday December 11, 2023, at the St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Richville, Michigan. The family will greet friends and guests at St. Michael's Lutheran Church beginning at 10:00 am. The family has honored Shirley’s wish and cremation has taken place, with the urn burial to take place at the St. Michaels Lutheran Cemetery.  For those who would like to give a gift of remembrance the family has asked to please consider St. Michael’s Lutheran Church.  You’re welcome to express condolences, or share a memory at hanlinfuneralhome.com

Hanlin Funeral Homes

Millington & Vassar, Michigan

Serving Since 1928