Shirley, Roger Hamilton

Roger Shirley, beloved husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born at home on October 11, 1933, to Adelaide and Rudolph Shirley, Roger was the firstborn of the Shirley twins. He spent nearly his entire life in Farmington, growing up and later raising his own family on Spruce Street.

After graduating from Farmington High School in 1951, Roger attended St. John's University before voluntarily enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1953. He proudly served his country in the Korean War, and upon returning, completed his degree at Mankato State University. Roger went on to spend most of his career working at the First National Bank Building in St. Paul for Great Northern Iron Ore Properties.

In 1960, Roger married Patricia Sauser. Together, they raised three daughters in the home they built next to his parents. Family was always Roger's greatest priority. He was a devoted husband and an engaged, supportive father and grandfather. He led by example, always choosing the right thing over the easy thing. He taught his daughters that with hard work, they could accomplish anything and supported them in their journeys to get there. He was a "girl dad" long before the term existed.

Roger was deeply committed to his community. He was the chairman of the City Planning Commission, an active Lion's Club member and Mountain Dew Days volunteer. A lifelong member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, he sang in the choir and faithfully served as a Saturday evening usher. As a proud member of the American Legion, Roger helped manage finances and placed the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with his twin, Robert, during the annual Memorial Day program.

Always willing to lend a hand, Roger helped neighbors and friends with countless projects and tasks. He loved a good social gathering and was a regular at local favorites like the bakery, Gerster's, and the hardware store — never missing a chance to catch up with friends.

Roger was an extraordinary person with a vibrant, joyful, and fun-loving spirit. He was the life of the party, had a great sense of humor and a ready smile.  He was truly a class act and will be deeply missed.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Pat; his brother, Raymond; sisters, Helen Shimshock and Dorothy Ueland; and grandson, Nicholas Pellicci. He is survived by his daughters: Lori (John) Pellicci, Michelle (Erik) Switzer, and Kathryn (Tim) Anderberg; grandchildren: Lauren (Ethan) DuBois, Sarah (Jorgen) Salveson, Kaitlyn Pellicci, Kelsey (Austin) Burandt, Ryan (Mikala Caron) Switzer, Ella Anderberg, and Tait Anderberg; great-grandchildren: Bennett and Elsie DuBois, Maverick and Palmer Switzer; his twin brother, Robert; in-laws: Tom and Dale Sauser, Jim Laabs; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Farmington. Memorial visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Private interment will follow at the church cemetery after the luncheon.