Shirley Johnsrud, 79, passed away on May 2, 2016, at Erskine, MN, under the care of Candy, Tim, and Kristi from a short battle with Leukemia.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, May 6, 2016 at Ekelund Lutheran Church in Goodridge, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Shirley Ann Mostrom Johnsrud was born on January 29, 1937 to William and Ella Mostrom of Gully, MN at her great-aunt's home in Thief River Falls, MN. Shirley grew up on a farm in Hickory Township near Gully, MN with her six brothers and sisters. She was baptized at Nazareth Lutheran Church on September 18, 1938. Later she was confirmed at Nazareth Lutheran Church on August 15, 1951. Shirley attended Pleasant View School in Hickory Township through the eighth grade. After leaving school, she worked for neighbors and relatives for 50¢ a day until 1954.

She started dating Clifford Norman Johnsrud in November of 1953. They were married on May 29, 1954 at Nazareth Lutheran Church. After their marriage they lived in several places in Minnesota and Wisconsin as Clifford worked on road construction. While living at Embarrass, MN, Shirley found a job at Salo's Corner Store. They moved to Biwabik, MN while Clifford worked in the mines. Shirley was a stay at home mom watching over their two daughters, Candyce and Kristi. On May 29, 1967, they moved to a farm near Goodridge, MN. There they raised their two daughters on their dairy and beef farm. Shirley and Clifford farmed until 1992. Clifford passed away on March 10, 1993. Shirley sold the land around the house. She remained living in the house after it was purchased by Kristi.

Shirley worked away from the farm from 1986 to 1998 for Mr. Carrot at rural Oklee, MN, Kory's Warehouse Grocery at rural Oklee, MN, River Road Casino (Seven Clans) at rural Thief River Falls, MN, the Heritage Center in Thief River Falls, and Lancaster Public School in Lancaster, MN.

Shirley enjoyed writing poetry and had four poems published. Shirley enjoyed embroidering quilts for her children, grandchildren and friends. She loved playing cards, playing Yahtzee, going dancing, gardening, and telling stories about her younger days. Shirley enjoyed traveling and was always ready to go on a trip no matter the reason, destination, or length. Grandma Shirley enjoyed hosting Fourth of July parties and Christmas dinners. She loved spending time with her family and planning family reunions.

Shirley's grandchildren included not just her two grandchildren but most young people she encountered. She was known as "Grandma Shirley" to many families.

Shirley is survived by: daughters, Candyce (Timothy) Lundeen, Kristi Johnsrud; grandchildren, Shannon (Angela) Lundeen, Alissa (Jacob) Larson; great-grandchildren, Nolan and Parker Lundeen, Molly and Peyton Larson; a sister, Bernice Oftelie; brothers, LeRoy Mostrom, Forrest Mostrom, & Lyle Mostrom; sister-in-law, Deloris Johnsrud; seven nieces and nephews; special grandson, Steven Weber; and many relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by: husband, Clifford; parents, William and Ella Mostrom, parents-in-law, Enoch and Bonnie Johnsrud; a sister, Doris Bjerklie Danielson; a brother, Robert Mostrom; sisters- in-law, Betty Mostrom and Joyce Mostrom; brothers-in-law, Gilmer Oftelie, Jack Johnsrud, Jergen Bjerklie, and Stanley Danielson; nieces, Julie Mostrom and Ariel Johnsrud.