John Edwin "Big John" Shaleen, age 68 of Fayal Township died unexpectedly Tuesday, June 21, 2016 in his home. He was born September 3, 1947 in Wabasha, MN the son of Edwin and Theresa (Goering) Shaleen. John was a graduate of Mt. Iron High School where he competed in many sports and got the nickname," Cuna". He married Patricia Lundein on August 11, 1978 in Sturgis, South Dakota. John was employed as a millwright, and was a trained, and gifted locksmith. He worked for Biss Lock for 33 years, and was the owner and operator of Always Open Lock & Safe. He was a member of the Hibbing and Virginia Gun Clubs and the Associated Locksmiths of America. John enjoyed scuba diving, sky diving, riding his motorcycle, attending the Sturgis Rally, and entertaining family and friends at the Ely Lake Home. He was a solver of problems, a great conversationalist, was always helping others, and a true people person. You never walked away from a conversation with John as a stranger.

John is survived by his wife: Pat; sons: Pete (Circe Westberg) Shaleen of Virginia and John Paul Shaleen of Mt. Iron; siblings: Jim (Mona) Shaleen of Britt, Margo Hammerstad of Blaine, MN. Laurie (Alan) Hanson of Cherry, Carol (Gary) Thompson of Brainerd, MN and Walter Shaleen of Minnetonka; grandchildren: Jacob, Kyla, Nicole, Amanda, Lacie and John Paul; 4 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 27, 2016 at the Bauman-Cron Funeral Home in Virginia. Visitation will continue Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. until the 9:00 a.m. Funeral Service Tuesday June 28, 2016 at the Funeral Home. Pastor Donald Norr will officiate. Interment will follow in the Calvary Cemetery in Virginia.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. No flowers, please.

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .

Visitation 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. ,Monday, June 27, 2016
Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel
516 South First Street Virginia, MN 55792
Visitation 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. ,Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel
516 South First Street Virginia, MN 55792
Funeral Service 9:00 a.m. ,Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel
516 South First Street Virginia, MN 55792
Interment 10:15 a.m. ,Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Calvary Cemetery - Virginia
1110 North 9th Street Virginia, MN 55792