Shirley Malo, 80, Owatonna

Shirley Marie Malo joined her beloved husband, Junior, in heaven on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
Shirley was born in Owatonna, to Alfred and Alberta (Mulert) Hansen, July 28, 1944. She attended St. Mary’s School and then Marion High School, graduating in 1962. After graduation, she worked as a librarian in the Owatonna Public Library.
Shirley met Junior G. Malo and committed her love to him on Feb. 8, 1964. She gave birth to her first son, Jeffrey, in 1965, and her second son, Kevin, in 1967.
In 1973, Junior was working with Anderson Heating and Roofing and became the general manager. Shirley joined him as the office manager, and together they eventually expanded to Waseca, and created Malo Roofing, Inc. They built a business that still exists today. Shirley lost the love of her life and best friend in 2009 and became the sole owner of Malo Roofing. She worked until her 79th year when she finally chose retirement.
Shirley’s favorite pastimes were playing bingo, reading suspense, thriller novels, doing crossword puzzles, and playing cards and games. She discovered several fellow bingo lovers in Owatonna and over the years, they developed a beautiful relationship with their mutual interests. She was blessed by their love and care. Special thanks to Tracy Steinberg, for your friendship. Shirley was also an avid bird watcher and enjoyed observing birds at the feeders all year long.
Shirley is survived by her sons Jeffrey (Elizabeth) Malo, and Kevin (Angie) Malo, all of Owatonna; six beloved grandchildren whom she adored: Ryan (Tatum) Malo, Lauren Malo (Graham Willer), Rachel Malo, Andrew Malo, Morgan Malo (Ben Crognale, fiancé) and Nolan Malo. She was overjoyed to become a great-grandmother to Maclain Willer in June of 2023. Shirley is also survived by five sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and extended cousins. Family was her favorite topic of conversation, and she was beaming with pride when she shared stories about all of them.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers Alfred Hansen (and his wife Sandy), and Ronald Hansen. She will join her departed husband, Junior, whom she missed
every day; and this gives a certain peace to her survivors. Their love smiles down on all of us.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 512 S. Elm Ave., Owatonna. Friends may greet the family from 12:30 to 2 p.m., prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Mary’s School, or the Owatonna Public Library. For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.