Sigurd and Dorothy (Johnston) Ruud, proudly announced the birth of their daughter, Shirley Ann, born on Thursday, June 4, 1936 in Ogilvie, MN. She was the youngest of seven children. Shirley’s childhood years were spent growing up on the family farm outside of the Ogilvie area. She graduated from Ogilvie High School.
High school classmates, Shirley married Louis Stassen on Saturday, June 22, 1957 at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Ogilvie, MN. They were blessed with a handsome son, named Kenneth. They settled in Minneapolis for a few years, with settling their roots in Prior Lake in 1959. For over 49 years, Shirley and Louis loved to travel in the motor home and enjoyed especially each other’s company. Louis died August 18, 2006.
Most of Shirley’s career was spent working for the Prior Lake State Bank. For over 30 years, she loved greeting customers with a smile, but most of all the treasured the friendships she built with her co-workers. For a few years, Shirley started her career at Prior Lake Electric and Bloomington Electric. On the side, she assisted her husband with his business, Stassen Construction, where she maintain the books and took on various other jobs.
In the retirement years, Shirley volunteered at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in the gift shop for 10 years. A dedicated member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, she was active in the funeral luncheon committee and also assisted with the Sunday collection.
An amazing baker and a gracious host, Shirley always had cookies or bars to serve you when you sat down at her kitchen table. In her free time, she loved to exercise on a regular basis at Curves and put puzzles together. Her biggest passion in life was the family. She relishes the times spent with her granddaughter, Nicole attending her sporting activities and school activities. Shirley was very proud of her granddaughter.
A hardworking woman, Shirley had a warm and pleasant personality. A resident of Prior Lake, Shirley Stassen passed away peacefully the early morning on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at the Community Living Residence in Shakopee, MN.
Forever loved, Shirley will be deeply missed by her son, Ken (Cindy) Stassen of Prior Lake; granddaughter, Nicole Stassen; brothers, Robert (Lorraine) Ruud, Arthur (Beverly) Ruud; sisters, Dolores Kuss, Evelyn (Clinton)Bryon; sister-in-law, Lois Ruud; many other loving relatives and friends.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Louis; brothers, Eugene (Georgia) Rudd, Donald Ruud; brother-in-law, Boyd Kuss.
Pallbearers for Shirley will be Ron Ruud, Greg Stassen, Byron Kuss, Scott Ruud, Brad Byron and Mike Handt.
Visitation will be on Sunday, June 3 from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and one hour prior to the service at church. The Celebration of Life Service is Monday, June 4 (Shirley’s birthday) at 11 a.m., at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 5634 Luther Road, Prior Lake. Pastor John P. Vaughn will officiate. Shirley will be laid to next to her husband at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery.
