Craig Shirley

1949 - 2025

Craig Shirley

March 12, 1949 - May 27, 2025

Craig Monroe Shirley, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and faithful servant of Christ, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on May 27, 2025 at the age of 76.

Craig was born on March 12, 1949, in Minot, North Dakota, to Helen and Ellsworth Shirley. Raised with strong Lutheran values and Midwestern grit, Craig's calling to ministry came early in life. After completing his studies at Luther Seminary, he embarked on a lifelong journey of spiritual leadership, serving as a campus pastor across the United States.

His ministry took him and his family to communities far and wide-including Columbia, South Carolina; Nome, Alaska; Pullman, Washington; East Lansing, Michigan; Kenosha, Wisconsin; and Minneapolis, Minnesota-where he faithfully served as a spiritual guide, mentor, and friend. His final pastoral role was at University Lutheran Church of Hope on the University of Minnesota campus, where he retired after many years of devoted ministry.

Craig met the love of his life, Carol, in 1973. What began as a friendship built on mutual respect and laughter soon blossomed into a deep and enduring love. They were married on September 4, 1976. Together, Craig and Carol shared a life full of joy, partnership, and adventure. One of their greatest shared passions was traveling, and over the years they visited 23 countries-exploring new cultures, creating memories, and embracing the beauty of God's world together.

Even in retirement, Craig's passion for serving others never waned. He became a certified personal trainer at the YMCAs in White Bear Lake and Ridgedale, continuing his life's mission by helping others prioritize their physical health alongside their spiritual well-being. He believed strongly that honoring your body was a reflection of honoring God's gift of life.

Craig also had the great privilege of officiating numerous baptisms-including those of four of his grandchildren-as well as many wedding ceremonies throughout his ministry. Among the most meaningful were the weddings of his son Erik and daughter-in-law Laura, and his nieces Pam and Maggie, beautifully blending his role as a pastor with his deep joy as a father and family member.

Craig was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carol Shirley; his sons, Erik Shirley (Laura) and Joel Shirley (Crystal); and six cherished grandchildren: Karah (21), Brayden (14), Tyler (11), Sloane (10), Jack (6), and Ramsey (5). Craig never missed an opportunity to support his grandchildren-he was a familiar and loving presence on the sidelines of games, performances, and school events. He also treasured family dinners and holiday gatherings, always ready with a warm smile and a camera to capture the moment.

He is also survived by his sister, Julie Frisk, and his brother, Kent Shirley (Ginger), both of Fargo, North Dakota, as well as many extended family members, lifelong friends, and congregants from across the country who were blessed to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Ellsworth Shirley; his parents-in-law, Richard and Jean Ramsey; and his brother-in-law, James Frisk.

A celebration of Craig's life and legacy will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 4 - 7 pm at Washburn-McReavy in Eden Prairie, followed by a funeral service on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Mt. Olivet Church - Rolling Acres Campus in Victoria, Minnesota. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be made to Luther Seminary or Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, honoring Craig's lifelong devotion to faith, service, wellness, and love.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23