Shirley M. Flink, 84, of rural Rose Creek, Minn., died peacefully on Sunday afternoon, May 6, 2012, surrounded by her family at her home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Shirley May Klingfus was born Sept. 30, 1927, in Austin, Minn., to Walter and Dorothy (Noble) Klingfus. She attended school in Austin. She also attended Normal Training in Austin to become a teacher. Shirley taught school for seven years in Freeborn and Mower County country schools. When country schools closed, she got a job at Baldy’s Bank in Rose Creek and worked there for 17 years. On Dec. 22, 1946, Shirley married John P. Flink at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin. To this union were born five children: John, Jerry, Jay, Jim, and Sherry May. As a family, they enjoyed fishing, camping and sightseeing. Shirley was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church, and she loved gardening, cooking and canning.

Survivors include her husband, John Flink of rural Rose Creek; five children, John W. Flink of rural Austin, Jerry (Sunnee) Flink of Austin, Jay (Deb) Flink and James (Joyce) Flink, both of Albert Lea, Sherry May Senne of Red Wing; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Roger Anderson, Harley (Jan) Flink; sister-in-law, Charlene (Gene) Gerber; nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Dorothy and two sisters, Donna Hatfield and Ethel Anderson.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 12, 2012, at Grace Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Jeff Forbes officiating. Visitation will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.