Jack Edward Shirley

We are sad to announce the passing of Jack Edward Shirley (81) of Zumbrota, MN.  Jack passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, December 2nd, 2022, after a long battle with heart issues.

Jack was born April 5th, 1941, in Estherville, IA to Charles Edward and Lela Belle (Sawyer) Shirley. He spent most of his childhood in Estherville, IA and graduated from Estherville High School, attended Morningside Community College, Sioux City, IA and South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. Jack was a self-employed livestock dealer for most of his life after working many varied jobs in Iowa to support his growing family.

On July 23rd, 1964, Jack was united in marriage to his beloved wife Mary Reeves. In 1971 Jack and Mary moved to Zumbrota, MN. In 1972, they bought their farm in rural Zumbrota and spent 46 years on the farm raising their family, team roping, training horses and trading livestock.  In 2018 the farm was sold and a move to town followed which was fortuitous given the health issues that followed.

As anybody that knew him knows, Jack had an opinion about everything and was willing to share it whether solicited or not but always with good intentions.  In the livestock business everything is for sale or trade, but we wouldn’t have traded our husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather for anything.  Jack will be remembered by his family and friends as honest in his business dealings and always willing to help and mentor others.

Jack is survived by his wife Mary of 58 years, his son Jeff (Shelby) Shirley, daughters Joey (Mike) Olson, Jessica Shirley Sevareid. Jack is survived by his cherished grandchildren, Jake (Libby) Shirley, Josh (Laura) Shirley, Mitchell Olson, Jozlin Sevareid and Ruby Olson, also great granddaughter Harper Shirley. He is survived by one sister, Jo Ann (Charles) Wenisch, his nieces Jamie (Jim) Byron, Jill (Mike) Ward, Jane (Derek) Podrebarac as well as many great nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his father and mother, and his mother-in-law Mary (Granny) Reeves.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at Land’s Lutheran Church, Zumbrota in the sanctuary from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. There will be a short time of remembrance at 7pm. We will have food and beverages available throughout.