Shirley M. Squier

A Celebration of Life for Shirley Squier, of Elbow Lake and Morris, Minnesota, will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 1-4:00 p.m.  at the Morris American Legion.

Shirley Maryln Johnson was born in Kerkhoven, Minnesota, on June 11, 1937, to Clifford and Opal (Ericksen) Johnson. Shirley was baptized in Woods Township, Chippewa County on May 1, 1938, before moving to Morris with her family where she was confirmed in her faith at First Lutheran Church. She received her education in the Morris School District, graduating from Morris High School in 1955. Shortly after graduating, she began working for the Morris Area School District. She and Jerry were married on May 11, 1957, at First Lutheran Church in Morris; they made their home in Morris and raised their family. In January of 1988, Shirley was honored with a Certificate of Achievement for her outstanding work as a Bookkeeper of the Morris-Donnelly Public Schools, and in February of 1988, she was awarded The Citizens Bank Good For You Award for her outstanding contributions toward the betterment of our community. Shortly after Jerry’s death, Shirley retired at the age of 62 after 40 plus years working at the Morris Area School District as the Office Manager.

In her younger years, Shirley was on the Speech Team in high school, and played the piano and accordion. Shirley and Jerry were members of the Red Ryder’s Saddle Club and won several awards for their square dancing on horseback. Shirley was also an accomplished barrel racer and won the Championship at the Minnesota State Fair. In addition, Shirley had several other hobbies, including: crocheting, sewing – making beautiful clothes for her daughters, playing cards, crossword puzzles, scrabble, reading and gambling. 

Shirley died peacefully on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Maplewood Manor in Elbow Lake, Minnesota, she was 87 years old.

Shirley is survived by her son, Tim (Carol) Squier of Coon Rapids; two daughters: Jeri Squier of Morris and Lori (Jeff) Squier-Lund of Cyrus; four grandchildren: Garrett (Daniel Arenas) Mullin, Mitch Squier, Lauren Lund, and Taylor Lund; one great-grandchild, Aspen Lund; sister, Arlene (Richard) Osen of Winnipeg, Canada; sister-in-law, Vicky Beyer of Glenwood; and brother-in-law, Richard (Karen) Squier of Apple Valley. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald 'Jerry' Squier; one son, Terry 'Stub' Squier; infant daughter; parents: Clifford and Opal Johnson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Rose Squier; sister, Sharon Ross; and brothers-in-law, Dennis Ross and Jim Squier. 

Pedersen Funeral Home is in care of arrangements for Shirley.  To send condolences to the family, on-line, visit www.pedersenfh.com.