Shirley Rose Smieja

Shirley Rose (Standing) Smieja, 92, of Lakeville, MN, passed away on October 18, 2025. Born November 1,1932, Shirley attended St. Helena Catholic School and Roosevelt High School before working in accounting at Northern States Power Company. She married Herbert Smieja in 1954 in Minneapolis and in 1962 they moved to Burnsville, MN where they built several homes together and raised their three children. They retired to their lake home at Breezy Point where they lived until Herb passed away in 2005 and Shirley moved to Lakeville. Shirley was a devoted homemaker, known for her hospitality and cooking. She loved to play bridge and knit. When her children went to school, she joined Marquette Bank in an entry level position and rose in the organization to become a top personal banker. Shirley loved traveling with Herb to Hawaii and Gulf Shores, Alabama, and continued exploring the world after his passing. She is preceded in death by her parents, John Standing and Anne Benkufsky; sister Beverly Pearson; and husband Herbert. She is survived by her brother John Standing; children Sue Grothe, Steve Smieja, and Lori Richard (Barry); grandchildren Brandon Smieja (Melanie), Shaun Smieja, Angela Amundson (Brian), Jessica Johnson (Aaron), Amanda Grothe, Tyler Richard (Jenna), Maggie Blum (Ryan), Kelli Bibbs (Griffin), Cait Daniel (David); and 11 great-grandchildren. A service will be held at All Saints Catholic Church, 19795 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, MN on Tuesday, November 25. Visitation at 10:30 am. Service at 11:30 am.