Shirley Lefrooth Strandquist, MN age 88, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2013 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Strandquist, MN with Rev. Rena Peterson officiating. Burial will be held at the Mission Cemetery near Strandquist, MN. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service on Friday, April 12, 2013 at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Strandquist, MN. Visitation will also be held from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM on Saturday at the church. Shirley Juliet Hazel Larson was born in Karlstad, MN on March 3, 1925 to Andrew and Hannah (Sjogren) Larson. She was the youngest of their six children. Shirley was baptized in the Lutheran faith by Rev. Ronholm in Newfolden, MN and when about four years old the family moved to Strandquist, where her father continued to work for the Soo Line Railroad. It was there she began her schooling in Dist. #65 Elementary School. After grade five they moved out to Grandma Sjogren's farm so her Mom could care for Grandma and also Uncle Lars who came to stay with them. They both died in the spring of 1942. Shirley was confirmed in Newfolden in 1938. Living on the farm, Shirley attended the Blackberg Country School walking the distance of 1 ½ mile. In winter she shortened the distance to about 1 mile by skiing across country to school. Going to high school was a problem as no busses were available in those days so she and four other girls rented two rooms in the Gunderson's big white house in Newfolden, staying from Sunday evening until Friday every week. No school lunches so they ate the food their mom's packed for them or cooked on a kerosene stove. Shirley graduated with the class of 1943. World War II was on then so Shirley joined a friend in Chicago working in a defense plant making radios for the army and navy. She stayed for about a year, then came home to help on the farm since brothers Richard and Arnold were in the service. On March 24, 1946 Shirley married Raymond Anderson of Stephen, MN. They lived in Strandquist where Raymond owned and operated a produce store and small coffee shop. There three sons were born to them, Neil, Rickie and Robert. Raymond died on July 3rd, 1970. In 1958, Shirley went to work at the Karlstad State Bank continuing there until moving into the Karlstad Insurance Agency, and became licensed in all lines. She retired in 1995, but continued as manager of the agency to help out for another two years. On July 13th, 1975 Shirley married Verne Lefrooth. They continued to live in Strandquist and Verne farmed near there. They loved to travel, going to Israel in 1980, touring the Holy Lands, in Italy, the Vatican and going into Egypt, staying at the famous Meda House which was built for the opening of the Suez Canal and situated at the base of the pyramids. They crossed the beautiful Nile River going into the Valley Of The Kings. Other travels were to Bolivia and Venezuela, South America, to Hawaii deep sea fishing there and in Acapulco, to Mexico City and touring many islands in the Caribbean. Verne died on January 26, 1984. Shirley continued to travel with a friend, Myrtle Holmstrom of St. Paul, MN, mostly by bus or car to various places of interest in the US, Canada and Mexico. Most of all, Shirley enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, traveling or fishing with them or just spending lots of time together. Shirley was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church for over sixty years serving on the council, the ELCA, and as Youth Councilor in the earlier years. For their Centennial she did a lot of research and editing for their history book, was part of the planning committee for their festivities and also served as their treasurer. She was a member of the Strandquist Senior Citizens group, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 60 years, and also served on the Strandquist City council for a number of years. For their Centennial she helped raise funds by serving suppers, soliciting donations, planning festivities and also served as their treasurer. She leaves to mourn her sons, Neil (Lorraine) Anderson of Roseau, MN and Rickie Anderson of Strandquist, MN; grandchildren, Jonathan (Lanette) Anderson of Bemidji, MN, Tara (Craig) Wolf of Tipton, MO, Rickie Jr. (Susan) Anderson of Manvel, ND; great grandchildren, Dylan Edwards, Dalton and Nathan Anderson, Conner and Chandler Wolf, Tim and Jenny Wilking, Stephanie (Tyler) Blanchko; great great grandson, Carter Blanchko; great great granddaughter, Natalie Blanchko; sister and brothers in law, Donna Anderson, Vance and Adrienne Lefrooth, Donald and Marlys Lefrooth, Dean Holmstrom, Elaine and David Grovum; God-children, James Larson, Dr. Jeffrey Krogstad, and Kristi Sorvig. In addition many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents; grandparents; husbands, Ray and Verne; son, Robert Anderson; daughter in law, Sharon Anderson; sister, Evelyn Chwialkowski; brothers, Richard, Robert, Arnold, and Stanley Larson; and God-child, Shirley Rae Jorgenson; father and mother in law, Tom (Martha) Anderson, Edwin (Elsie) Lefrooth; sister and brother in law, Vernice Larson, Hans (Helen) Anderson, Albin (Alice) Bogestad, Milton Anderson, Ronald and Mabel Krogstad, Morris and Marcelyn Lindstrom, JoAnn Holmstrom; and two infant nieces, Carol Ann and Angela Mae Lefrooth. Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com Accompanist, Ellen Johnson Special Music, Marlys & Don Lefrooth "In The Garden" Special Music, Dion Larson Congregational Hymns, "Lord Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word" & "The Old Rugged Cross" Pallbearers, Greg Lefrooth, Scott Larson, Steven Larson, Donnie Larson, Wally Rud, Bob Lindstrom Honorary Pallbearers, All of Shirley's family and friends in attendance