Shirley Mae (LaRock) Wilson – Rochester

A memorial service for Shirley Mae Wilson will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 19, at Macken Funeral Home-River Park Chapel, in Rochester with the Rev. Luke Nelson officiating.

Shirley Wilson, 85, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at The Bluffs of Lake City. Shirley was born on the family farm in Pine Island to Worth and Theodate LaRock on December 23, 1930.

On July 28, 1952, she married Richard D. Wilson in Rochester. Graduating from Winona State College, Shirley was an elementary school teacher in Adams, MN, Olmsted County, and taught in the Rochester Public Schools for 34 years.

Survivors include children, Barbara (Victor) Fujimoto of San Francisco, CA, Dennis (Sue) Wilson of Rochester, MN, Mary (Steve) Gudgell of Red Wing, MN, Jon (Tina) Wilson of Rosemount, MN, Julie (James) Villaroman of Pacifica, CA, and son-in-law Scott Johnson of Rochester, MN; thirteen grandchildren, Amy, Brian, Marisa, Nick, Beth, Heather, Greg, Mike, Melissa, Marcus, Chelsea, Amanda, Kailey and 7 great grandchildren, Ali, Aiyana, Evelyn, Marshall, Harrison, Lilly, and Caroline. Survivors include siblings Marguerite (Merlyn) Sanders of Rosemount, MN and James (Mary) LaRock of Kasson, MN. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and daughter, Debra K. Johnson.

Shirley grew up with music and loved to sing. Early church, school music programs led to marching band and Mendelssohn Choir at Winona State College. Shirley enjoyed 20 years with the Young at Heart singers, active member with the Rochester Garden Club, and Homestead United Methodist Church in Rochester. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed watching the birds that gathered at her many feeders.

Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday, March 19.

Memorials are suggested to Homestead United Methodist Church, 6301 Bandel Road NW, Suite 503, Rochester, MN 55901.

Online condolences are welcome at mackenfuneralhome.com