Shirley Ann Abrahamson, the daughter of Frank and Zeda (Teich) Harer, was born June 26, 1931 in the brick house that her grandfather built in Nessel Township of Chisago County, Minn. Like her father who was born and died in that same house, Shirley died there on Feb. 24, 2005, at the age of 73 years.

The middle daughter of three girls born to Frank and Sadie (Zeda), Shirley grew up on the family farm with her older sister, Audrey, and her younger sister, Donna. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Johnís Lutheran Church, which at that time was located on East Rush Lake near Rush City, Minn. She attended elementary school and high school in Rush City, graduating with honors from Rush City High School in 1949.

As a young woman, Shirley was employed in the Twin Cities at a finger print company and later at Sears & Roebuck.

Shirley met her future husband, Rolland Abrahamson, at a dance at the Eagleís Hall in Rush City. They were married March 13, 1965, and made their home on a farm located a few miles north of town. They worked the farm together as partners, and being that Shirley was especially adept at mathematics, she was the one who handled their finances and did the bookkeeping.
In the late-1980ís as Sadie, Shirleyís elderly mother, became more aged and unable to care for herself, Shirley took on the responsibility of her care at the Harer home. She continued to do this until her mother passed away in 1999.
Shirley was proud of her heritage and the fact the land her grandfather Matthias homesteaded in 1865 became a Century Farm in 1965. The large brick farm house that he built still bears the date of 1904. Shirley will be laid to rest next to her parents at St. Johnís Lutheran Cemetery on East Rush Lake.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Rolland; her sisters Audrey Behrendt of Ham Lake, Minn. and Donna OíKeefe of LeCenter, Minn.; sister-in-law: Bernice Jennings of Rush City; brother-in-law: Harold Abrahamson of Blaine, Minn.; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Sadie Harer, and her brothers-in-law, Jay Behrendt and Del OíKeefe.

Funeral service was Monday, March 7, at St. Johnís Lutheran Church in Rush City with the Reverend Steve Tischer officiating. Organist for the service was Pat Stenmo and soloist was Diane Volk. Honorary casket bearers were Dan Johnson, Karen Johnson, Lynn Hansen, Jeff Guy, and Barbara Guy. Casket bearers were Mark Jennings, Gary Abrahamson, Allen Abrahamson, Greg Behrendt, Bret Biskey, Tim OíKeefe, and Ryan OíKeefe. Arrangements were entrusted to the Olson Chapel, Funeral & Cremation Service, Rush City, Minnesota.

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