Shirley Sweeney

Our beloved Mom, Shirley Sweeney, 89, of Hastings, Minnesota, peacefully passed into the gates of Heaven on March 4, 2026 at United Hospital in St Paul where she was surrounded by family.

Shirley was born in Wadena, Minnesota to Charles and Lydia Lapinoja on July 25, 1936. She went to Sebeka High School and graduated in 1954. She left the farm to become a wonderful wife of a military man and extraordinary mother to four children. She loved traveling the world supporting Dad and raising her children. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and was famous for her quilts and bonfires.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Jerry, parents, brother Stanley, and sisters Pat and Arlene.

Shirley is survived by her four children: Mike Sweeney of Hopkins, Ryan (Lisa) Sweeney of Waconia, John (Jennifer) Sweeney or Hastings, Kelly Sweeney of Hastings, and five grandchildren – Luke (Meghan), Casey, Cole, Riley, Tatum and her great granddaughter Reghan.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Parkridge community she loved and to United Hospital for their outstanding care and support during her last days.

Visitation will be held from 11 am - 1 pm on April 19, 2026 at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033. Burial will take place this summer in Bluegrass, MN. She will be laid to rest next to her husband of 57 years.

Her children are eternally grateful for her motherly love, support, and friendship. Mom, you are missed.