Shae Tilson
Friday, April 3, 1959
Date of Death:
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Age:
66 years old
Visitation
Date: Monday September 22, 2025
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Tuesday September 23, 2025
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Holy Spirit Catholic Church [ view map ]
Funeral Mass
Date: Tuesday September 23, 2025
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Holy Spirit Catholic Church [ view map ]
Burial
Location: St. Bridget's Cemetery [ view map ]
Livestream of Service
Friday, April 3, 1959
Date of Death:
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Age:
66 years old
Friday, April 3, 1959
Date of Death:
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Age:
66 years old
Shae Tilson
Shae Renee Tilson, 66, of Rochester, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 11, 2025 while vacationing at the family cabin in Osakis, MN.
Shae was born on April 3, 1959, in Austin, MN, to Edward and Jacqualyn (Loewen) Gergen. She attended grade school and graduated from Randolph High School. After high school, Shae moved to Rochester to pursue medical training and soon began working at St. Mary’s Hospital. On July 22, 1986, she married Ben Tilson, her devoted husband, and the love of her life. Together, they raised four children, and Shae worked as a Phlebotomist at Mayo Clinic.
Shae’s greatest love was her family. She was the heart and “glue” that held everyone together. Her strong faith in God guided her life, and she especially cherished her grandchildren—Colten, Alaina, Deacon, Olivia, Vivian, and Everett—who were her greatest joy.
Shae is survived by her husband, Ben Tilson of Stewartville; her children, Hollie Tilson, Joe (Kayla) Tilson, Ben Jr. (Cassie) Tilson, and Jessica Tilson; six grandchildren; three brothers; and nine sisters. She was preceded in death by her father and two sisters.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (5455 50th Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901). Visitation will be on Monday evening, September 22, 2025, from 4 PM to 7 PM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the Mass at church. Burial will follow at St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery, Simpson, MN.
Shae’s legacy is one of unconditional love, faith, and devotion to her family. She will be deeply missed, but her warmth and kindness will live on through all who knew her.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
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Condolences
The family of Shae Tilson has received the following condolences.
Ben and family,
Sorry for your loss. Peace....
Rich Freytag
So sorry for the loss of Shae. What I will remember most is band trips, cheerleading, and her joyful laugh - oh and those LONG eyelashes (jealous)!
May you now rest in peace and go have a cheer with Laurie and Marcia - they are waiting for you with open arms.
God bless the entire family and may you cherish the many memories forever.
Dear Ben and Tilson family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. You all will be in my prayers and hopes for diminished pain in the coming days
Your old friend…. Joe
Shae Family,
Condolences to all the family on your loss of Shae. She was a very wonderful woman and I’m happy I had the chance to know her. Hoping your memories of Shae bring you comfort and peace.
Blessings, 🙏
Diane Vu and Family
Dear Ben and family. Dan and I are so sorry to hear that your beautiful wife passed away. It must be so difficult. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. With sympathy, Dan and Lori Crandall
Tilson Family - My deepest condolence for your loss. I am a customer of your shop and I came across of Ben Jr's mom's passing. She seemed like a beautiful, hard working and devoted person. She will be missed. Again, my sincere condolences for your family. Diana C.
Dear Tilson Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Shae was such a beautiful person. I was able to visit with her several times over the years in Rochester. Every time I saw her she was smiling so brightly. She loved her husband, children and grandchildren so much. Shae will be greatly missed. The world has lost a lovely soul. Heaven is welcoming that soul now. I wish you peace and healing at this time.
Shae’s family,
I worked with Shae for many years and one thing I will never forget is how much she loved babies. After I had my daughter (18.5 years ago) I brought her to the lab at St.Marys’s for everyone to meet her. Shae was working and instantly took her from my arms and did all the bragging for me. She let me have a minute to catch up with co-workers and friends. She told me to take my time and grab some coffee. (I wasn’t getting my daughter back anytime soon.. Ha!) Almost 20 years ago, she told me she couldn't wait to have her own grand babies, and wanted them right now.
Shae was fulfilling her purpose of caring for others, and had a tremendous outpour of love for children.
Years later, Shae told us at work (Donor Center) she was going to be a Grandma for the first time. The excitement, love, and eagerness to care for her own grand child was glowing from within her. She was so proud. Everyone who worked with her knew that child was going to be so loved and spoiled rotten. ♥️
Shae was a light for so many people especially her family (and those grand babies!!) Her love for all of you was known. Shae was so proud of her family.
I will be praying for all of you to have the strength, courage, and love for each other to work through this huge loss.
Erin
Shae was an amazing coworker and an incredible friend. I already miss her contagious laugh. She was the core to this wonderful family and gave so much of her heart to all. I am so sorry for this loss you are all going through. Be thankful you were graced with such an amazing human being to call you wife, mother, sibling and grandmother. Much love for you all!!
Lisa Haglund