Shirley Clare 09/04/2025

Shirley Arlene Clare died peacefully at Lyngblomsten Lino Lakes on September 4, 2025. Her family is grateful for the care she received.

Shirley was born on March 5, 1934, in Excelsior, Minnesota. She was the fifth child of Louis and Clara Christensen. In the 40’s, the family moved to a farm in Mille Lacs County. Shirley graduated from Milaca High School. While in school she made friendships that would last a lifetime.

After graduating, she met Ralph Clare who had recently returned from a tour of duty in Germany. They were married on October 16, 1953. Shortly after marrying, they relocated to Topeka, Kansas where they had four children – Walter, Wanda, Wayne and Waunita. In 1968, they moved to Roseville, Minnesota where she lived until moving to Lyngblomsten of Lino Lakes in 2023.

Shirley’s professional life was in educational food service. She retired after almost 25 years of service rising from substitute cook to director of food service for Roseville Public Schools.

She enjoyed many hobbies including baking, gardening, and hosting family gatherings. Ralph and Shirley had an active retirement life including domestic and international travel. She also volunteered at the St. John’s Hospital gift shop and the church kitchen. Her greatest joy was spending time with family and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, her son Wayne, her daughter Waunita, her daughter-in-law Lisa, and her parents and siblings.
She is survived by her son Walter, her daughter Wanda Peterson (Don), her daughter-in-law Beth, nine grandchildren, several great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to The Lyngblomsten Foundation or Allina Hospice.

Funeral services for Shirley will be held at the Incarnation Lutheran Church 4880 Hodgson Road St. Paul, Minnesota 55126 on Friday September 19th, 2025 at 11 AM, the visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church. Please join the family for a lunch to be served immediately following the church service. Interment Roselawn Cemetery.