Shirley Marie (Hanson) Saaranen, 86, passed away on Monday, April 9, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin, Minnesota, surrounded by her children.

Shirley was born, July 3, 1931, in Newry Township, Minnesota, to Archie and Hattie (Braaten) Hanson. She grew up in Austin and graduated from Austin High School on June 2, 1949.

On July 31, 1954, she was married to Gordon M. Saaranen at St Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. She was employed by George A. Hormel and Company for 30 years, retiring in 1983. She and Gordie moved to the Saaranen family farm on Lake Poinsett, South Dakota, where they lived fully for 10 years. They moved to St. Ansgar, Iowa, in 1996 and lived there until Gordie’s death in October of 2004 after 50 years of marriage. Shirley then returned to Austin, where she resided until her death.

Shirley thrived on spending time with her family. She was an avid reader and known for her crocheting, holiday turkey dinners and holiday decorating. Her children, grandchildren and many others share fond memories of playing cards, games and classic Nintendo with her. Her children feel blessed to have grown up in a joyful home with unconditional love that provided the feel of a second home to many of their friends.

She is survived by her children, Jennifer Saaranen (Jim Huebner), Karen Baldridge, Carol Jean (Dan) Thomas, Fred (Kay) Saaranen, and Tim Saaranen (Christy Upchurch); grandchildren, Chad (Rachel) Thomas, Sarah Unverzagt, Amanda (Shannon) Schulz, Sam (Bret) Wierson, Michael Saaranen, Elliott Baldridge, Jenna Baldridge, Rachel Saaranen, Megan Saaranen, and Kyle Upchurch; great-grandchildren, Dillon, Conner and Charlie Thomas, Scarlett, Brock and Quinn Schulz, Violet, Archie and Henry Wierson; sister-in-law, Lucy Hanson; and special nephews, Frank (Nancy) Saaranen, Bob (Nola) Saaranen, and Melody Scheffel-Saaranen-Schrag. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordie Saaranen; her parents; three sisters, Hen (Dan) Greenameyer, Katie (Don Sr.) Burgess and Millie (Doug Sr.) Saaranen; three brothers, John (Addie), Archie (Edith), and Harry Hanson; special nephew, Doug Saaranen; and grandson, Luke Unverzagt.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 16, 2018, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 15, at Mayer Funeral Home and one hour on Monday prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Shirley would love a donation in her honor to the Hormel Institute-Breast Cancer Research in Austin. Condolence may be made online at www.mayerfh.com.