Shirley Heidgerken

Shirley T. Heidgerken, age 75 of Freeport, died after a courageous battle with cancer on Friday, January 15, 2016 at her home in Freeport, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 23 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with Rev. Daniel Walz officiating. A private entombment will take place at a later date in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the church in Freeport.

Shirley Theresa Rose was born October 13, 1940 in Freeport, Minnesota to Sylvester and Monica (Hiltner) Rose. Shirley graduated from Melrose High School in 1958. She married Charles Henry Heidgerken on May 5, 1962 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. Shirley and Charlie owned and operated Charlie's Café in Freeport for 36 years, retiring in January of 1999. Shirley enjoyed traveling, especially to Mexico and Las Vegas, but also ventured to more exotic places such as Europe, Africa, and much of the Caribbean. She also enjoyed spending time at various resorts in Northern Minnesota as well as frequenting the many casinos in Minnesota. Shirley enjoyed shopping, playing cards, fishing, and was an avid reader. However, her most cherished moments were those spent with her family.

Survivors include her daughters, Sheila (Maynard) Kettler of Freeport and Paula (Paul) Hughes of Avon; son, Kurt Heidgerken of Minneapolis; daughter-in-law, Pam Pierskalla of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Keshia (Alex) Hermann of St. Cloud, Kai Kettler of Freeport, Alison, Megan, and Katelin Hughes of Avon; great-grandson, Lincoln Hermann of St. Cloud; sisters, Lou Ann Bushman of New Munich and Joyce Bjerke of New Brighton; and many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Karl; husband, Charlie; parents, Sylvester and Monica Rose; brothers-in-law, Boyce Bushman, Howard Bjerke, George Heidgerken, and James Heidgerken; and sister-in-law, Rita Heidgerken.

Serving as casket bearers will be Shirley's and Charlie's Godchildren, Kim Weiner, Jill Pomroy, Craig Heidgerken, Mark Heidgerken, Kyle Heidgerken, and her granddaughter's husband, Alex Hermann. Cross bearer will be Keshia Kettler-Hermann and scripture bearer will be Kai Kettler. Gift bearers will be Alison, Megan, and Katelin Hughes and lector will be Nathan Bjerke.

Shirley expressed that she would prefer memorials be sent to the Sacred Heart School Gymnasium fund in Freeport. The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Donald Jurgens and the Heartland Hospice team for the compassionate and excellent care they gave her.