Violet Shirley M. Jespersen was born on May 29, 1929 in Mayfield Township, near Plummer, MN, the daughter of William and Annie (Omdahl) Jespersen. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith at Clearwater Lutheran Church in Plummer, MN and attended Country School District 35 and Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls. She worked a short time in Duluth before moving to Minneapolis. Shirley worked for Munsingwear and retired from Honeywell in 1999, after 30 years of service. Following her retirement Shirley returned to Thief River Falls.

Shirley enjoyed crocheting and fancy work and did a lot of horseback riding. She loved to go out to the farm and help her brother, Russell and Shirley. She loved Old Time music and loved to dance. Shirley was a very caring person. She cared for many relatives throughout the years and assisted them any way she could. She was always there to lend a helping hand. She loved all animals especially horses. Shirley was a member of the VFW and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Shirley is survived by her brother, Russell (Shirley) Jespersen of Plummer, MN; sisters: Florence Flossie Bruggeman of Sauk Centre, MN, Vivian Stellhorn of Indianapolis, IN and LaVonne Norman of Havre, MT; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers: twins, Lawrence and Lester and Lewis; three brothers-in law: Don Bruggeman, Bernard Stellhorn and Walter Norman; two sisters-in-law: Hazel Jespersen and Edna Jespersen; two nephews; one niece; and a very special friend.

Violet Shirley Jespersen died on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Red Lake Falls, MN following a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 74 years, 3 months, and 3 days. May her memory be blessed.