Karen E. Shirk, 82, passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at Miller’s Merry Manor, Plymouth.
Born on April 27, 1940 in Kalamazoo, Michigan she was the daughter of James and Svea (Nord) Bush.
She attended Danville High School in Danville, Illinois graduating with the class of 1958. Karen attended Illinois Masonic Hospital Association School of Nursing and received her degree in nursing. Karen proudly served her country in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1968 as a First Lieutenant. She would dedicate her life as a nurse working in the OB and delivery at Parkview Hospital which is now St. Joseph Regional before retiring in 1997. Karen would spend countless road trips to Riley’s Children’s Hospital caring for those in need.
She was a strong-willed loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother that absolutely adored her family. She enjoyed crocheting baby blankets, hot pads and wash cloths, everyone of her family members would receive a hand-crafted blanket on their wedding. Karen enjoyed vacations to Cades Cove in Townsend, Tennessee and watching hummingbirds around her feeders.
She is survived her children: Lara Shirk of Plymouth; David (Michele) Shirk of Argos; brother James (Janet) Bush of Bettendorf, IA; grandchildren: Aaron (Dani) Bachtel of Plymouth; Austin Bachtel of Plymouth; great-grandson Dawson Bachtel and one expecting to make their arrival soon.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents, sister Gretchen Martin, foster sister’s Rose and Elsie.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2022 from 1-4 pm at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 21, 2022 at 11 am with Pastor Rich Van Vuren officiating.
Please click the link below to live-stream the funeral service on Monday, November 21st at 11 am:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87808058917
Burial will take place in the New Oak Hill Cemetery with military honors.
Memorial contributions can be made to, Appalachian Bear Rescue, PO Box 364 Townsend, TN 37882 or to Riley Children’s Foundation, 500 N. Meridian Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Alice Owens says
Jerry and I offer our deepest sympathy. We thank Karen for her service to our country and her dedication to nursing.
The Greg Lenburg Family says
We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to you on the death of your mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Particularly we would like to extend our sympathies to her grandson Austin who has provided lawn care services for us for the past two years. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kenneth Martin says
Sherrill and I offer our deepest sympathy to your family. We can’t make it to the services but we are thinking of you.
Barb Lowry says
Condolences to Karen’s family. Sorry to read of her passing. I worked with her at the old Parkview Hospital a number of years ago. May you all be comforted by past good memories.
Barb Lowry
Davenport, FL