Shirley Lorraine Martinson, 64, of Cook, MN passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on May 10, 2019 after a courageous 22-month battle with brain cancer.

The daughter of Oscar and Lorraine (Sundeen) Carlson. Shirley was born on September 19, 1954 in Virginia, MN.  She grew up in Cook and graduated from Cook High School.

Shirley was united in marriage on June 9, 1973 to Gary Martinson, her High School sweetheart and forever love of her life.  Together they raised 3 children, Amy, Kim and Chad.  Shirley was a stay at home mom and provided in-home daycare until her youngest, Chad, started school.  She then began her career of over 30 years at the Cook Area Credit Union. Looking forward to the next milestone of "the retired life" and traveling with Gary was cut short after she received the stage IV terminal diagnosis.

Shirley was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church and volunteered as a Sunday School teacher there for many years. She was the kindest, caring and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and the greatest "nana" you could ask for.

She loved spending time with her family, going to the cabin and especially going camping and fishing with her sweetheart.  She also enjoyed baking, gardening, visiting her grandchildren and having coffee time with her mom and daughters.

Shirley's amazing faith, hope and grace carried her through the endless doctor appointments, tests and procedures she endured. Throughout this journey she exemplified great strength and selflessness. Often, she reminded us "Don't cry honey, I'm in God's hands now".

Shirley will be missed by all who knew and loved her; rest now "the strife is over, the battle done; The victory of everlasting life is won!

Shirley is survived by her husband of nearly 47 years, Gary Martinson of Cook: three children: Amy (Eddie) Pinto of Cambridge, Kim Martinson of Cook, and Chad Martinson of Iron; grandchildren: Marcus Pinto, Alysse Pinto, Ashley Pinto and Jevon Garcia; mother, Lorraine Carlson; siblings, Gary (Patty) Carlson, Kathy (2010) (Loyal & Barb) Tanem, Tara (Robert) Uren; sister-in-law, Nedra Martinson; many nieces and nephews; and a wonderful host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Oscar Carlson; sister, Kathy Tanem; father-in-law, Donald Martinson; mother-in-law, Nettie Martinson; and brother-in-law, Randy Martinson.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 from 5-7 PM at Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook, MN.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cook MN with visitation to be held again one hour prior to the service at the church.

To leave an online condolence visit www.mlakerfuneralhome.com