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Shirley Jean
Jarvela
Nov 29, 1935 — Apr 16, 2025
Hibbing, MN
Shirley Jean Jarvela, 89, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, with family by her side, at Spirit of Home in Hibbing. Shirley was born on November 29, 1935, in Eveleth MN, the daughter of Arthur August and Tyne Marie (Lehto) Raihala.
Shirley lived in Gilbert, Aurora, and Indiana in her childhood before moving to Keewatin. Shirley graduated from RL Downing High School in Keewatin in 1953. After graduation, she worked for the Keewatin school district as a secretary. Following a short stint living in Minneapolis, she married the love of her life, Roy H.D. Jarvela, on July 22, 1967. The couple moved to Mt. Iron MN in 1971, where they lived with daughters Elizabeth and Jeanne.
Shirley worked for the Virginia Regional Medical Center as an Administrative Assistant from 1971 until her retirement in 1993. After Roy's death in 1998, Shirley moved to Colorado Springs CO, before settling in Green Valley AZ in 2003. She was glad to eventually move back to Virginia MN in 2023.
Shirley was an active member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Virginia, singing soprano with the church choir, and serving on the church council and stewardship committees. Shirley loved to travel and was an avid golfer. She enjoyed socializing with her friends, neighbors, and family, hosting many get-togethers in her home. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, even though it became more difficult as she aged. Her smile was infectious, and she strove to make sure everyone felt included.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Roy, brother Arthur Henry "Sonny" Raihala, an infant brother Robert James Raihala, great-grandson Jayden P Haavisto, and special friends Robert "Bob" Mahon and Lee Lamkin.
Shirley is survived by her daughters Elizabeth Lanari of Ishpeming MI and Jeanne (Mark) Antonich of Hibbing,; grandchildren Angela (Jason) Collard of Esko, Tina (Greg) Bambach of Manistique MI, Larry (Hannah Kunnari) Lanari of Eagan MN, Jacquie Akstulewicz of Duluth, Dan (JoDee) Lanari of Los Lunas NM, Lauren (Andrew Russell) Antonich of St. Paul, Alex Antonich of Minneapolis, and Rachel Antonich of Minneapolis; great-grandchildren Chloe, Rylan, Nolan, Aiden, Quincie, Kaesen, Briele, Lexi, Jaylee, and Giana.
Visitation will be Friday, April 25, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. until the 11:30 a.m. Funeral Service at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Marion Rova will officiate. Interment will be in the Gilbert Cemetery.
Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Virginia. To express condolences online please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.
Friday
Gethsemane Lutheran Church (Virginia, Minnesota)
10:30 - 11:30 am
Friday
Gethsemane Lutheran Church (Virginia, Minnesota)
Starts at 11:30 am
Friday
Gilbert Cemetery
Starts at 12:30 pm
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