Shirley Arthur Flesner age 87 of Tracy passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2008 at the Valley View Manor in Lamberton. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday at the Tracy Alliance Church. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Saturday at the Tracy Area Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Sunday. Interment is in the Gales Cemetery. The Tracy Area Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Shirley Arthur Flesner was born October 20, 1920 to Heye and Pauline (Schmidt) Flesner in Gales Township, Redwood County, Minnesota. He attended School District #40 and later graduated from Milroy High School in 1938.

Shirley was united in marriage to Marie Hoffrogge on September 21, 1943 at Nuttiewyynnt Methodist Church in Gales Township. He farmed in several communities before moving back to Gales Township in 1965 where he lived for years until moving into Tracy in 1995. On April 19, 1953 he committed his life to Jesus and determined to live a life pleasing to God.

Shirley was an active member of the Tracy Alliance Church where he taught Sunday School, served as Sunday School Superintendent and was treasurer for 30 years. Shirley’s hobbies were fishing, hunting and reading. He enjoyed football and baseball. He also loved music and playing the accordion. Shirley enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Shirley is survived by his wife Marie of 64 years; children: Barbara (James) Rightler of Victoria, MN, Bruce (Anna Jeanne) Flesner of rural Tracy, Terry (Carol) Flesner of Walnut Grove, Timothy Flesner of St. Peter, MN and Brian (Donna) Flesner of Bixby, OK. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Jonathan, two sisters and ten brothers.