Shirley Payne

Shirley Elizabeth (Midness) Bjerva Payne died peacefully at 96 years of age on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 in Northfield, Minnesota.

Shirley was born on February 21, 1922 in Cannon Falls, the daughter of Sjur and Pearl (Wenz) Midness. She graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1940 and went on to work as a federal employee in Washington, D.C. and California during WW II. Shirley’s first husband, Myron Bjerva, was killed while serving in the Air Force during the war. She married Edward Payne Jr. in 1947 and was a homemaker for most of her life in South Carolina. Eddie died in 1999 and Shirley eventually moved back to Minnesota, spending the cooler months in Florida.

Shirley was an avid reader, and enjoyed cooking, baking, playing bridge with friends, and swimming. She loved animals, especially dogs. She enjoyed her solo cross-country road trips with her dog as co-pilot. Shirley will be remembered as a strong and intelligent woman of remarkable grace and charm.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Myron Bjerva and Edward Payne; and her brother, William Midness.

She is survived by her son, Myron “Mickey” (Gloria) Payne of Red Wing and her granddaughter, Mandy (Jordan) Pennefather of Eugene, Oregon. She is also survived by her nephews, Robert (Sue) Midness and Scott (Lydia) Midness, and their families.

A funeral service will be held at Lundberg Funeral Home in Cannon Falls on Saturday, February 23 at 1:00 PM with interment to follow at the Cannon Falls Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a local hospice or charity of your choice.