Shirley Kerkow
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On November 20, 2018 @ 12:20 pm In 2018,Obituaries | 7 Comments
Shirley Ann Kerkow, age 82, of Prior Lake, MN, was welcomed home in heaven by her husband Donald and other loving family, on Monday evening, November 19, 2018.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, December 2, at 2:30 pm, with a time of gathering starting at 1 pm, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 5634 Luther Road, Prior Lake. Nephew, David Hormann will preside. Pall bearers will be family Andrew Lohman, Adam Schlossin, Aaron Schlossin, Travis Weber, Kaleb Weber, David Olson and Damian Schlossin. Shirley will be laid to rest at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery.
On the family home in rural Savage, MN, Shirley was first of five children born on March 23, 1936, to Herbert and Irene (Grapper) Sass. Years later, the family settled their roots in Prior Lake. Here, Shirley completed her education and graduated from Prior Lake High School in 1954.
Shirley worked various jobs, before finding her true niche in life. Being one of the first woman in the industry, Shirley secured her license as a realtor and broker. Shirley worked hard at her career and became quite successful in her trade.
While attending a dance in New Prague, MN, Shirley met the love of her life, Donald Kerkow. They started courting and were married on November 12, 1955, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, in Prior Lake. Shirley and Donald were blessed with three daughters, Diana, Linda and Ronda. She relished being a mother to the girls and this was one of Shirley’s greatest accomplishments! As the grandchildren and great-grandchildren came into her life, Shirley treasured the time spent with them.
Shirley and Donald loved dancing and were the perfect for each other. They were in sync with one another and each other souls, as they glided across the dance floor. Shirley and Donald also enjoyed bowling together for many years on leagues.
Shirley’s primary focus in life was her family. She also was dedicated to her faith in God. Shirley loved attending church and felt especially close to God through song. In her spare time, Shirley loved cross stitching and created many exceptional creations. But there is one act of kindness you could always count on her completing…Shirley would call and wish you a happy birthday, at the time you were born.
A very loving, compassionate and protector, Shirley was so proud of her family and what they have become. In her eyes, she was eternally 29 years of age!!!
Shirley will be forever loved and greatly missed by daughters, Diana Kaiser, Linda Weber, Ronda (Andrew) Lohman; grandchildren, Amy (David) Olson, Adam (Chantelle) Schlossin, Aaron Schlossin, Travis Weber, Kaleb Weber, Taylor Lohman, Kyle Lohman, Jewel Lohman; great-grandchildren, Alexa Olson, Aria Olson, Damian Schlossin, baby Savannah Rose Schlossin due in January; siblings, Marvin (Sharon) Sass, Marlene Kerkow, Eileen Bjornson, Mary Ann Kiesner: sister-in-law, Betty Kosse; brother-in-law, Bruce Hormann; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
There to welcome Shirley home in heaven is her husband, Donald; son-in-law, Byron Kaiser; grandson, Dylan Weber; parents, Herbert and Irene; parents-in-law, Herman and Lucille Kerkow; in-laws, Larry Kerkow, Carol Horman, Bob Kosse; nephew, Glen Sass and niece, Samantha Kerkow.
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My deepest sympathies to all those left behind here on earth. My heart goes out to you all in this time of sadness. The list of those who have gone before Shirley is nearly as long as those left behind. She will be met with so much love and kindness in heaven, and will be watching us all with love and pride.
One of my funny memories of Shirley is when I was very young, maybe 6-ish, Shirley had stopped at Mom and Dad’s house for a visit. I wanted to go home with Shirley so badly to play with Ronda. So Shirley put me on the floor in the front of here truck and covered me with her sweater. I could feel here driving out of the driveway, turning corners, and such. I really thought I was getting away with something! Shirley stops the truck and I jump up all excited to see my cousin, only to find out she drove me around the block to drop me back off at home. Thank you Shirley for that for that wonderful, funny memory; as well as many many more.
May we all keep her alive with our fondest memories and stories of the time we shared together.
Thank You sweetie for sharing that very special remembrance of mom, it made me smile.
Diana
Our deepest sympathies to all the family members. I (Patricia) grew-up next door to the Herb and Irene Sass family. I fondly remember Shirley and Don dancing their hearts out at the Spring Lake Pavilion and Carver Ballroom. We had so much fun back in the good-ole-days! Sending prayers and blessings to all family members left behind.
Thank you very much for your condolences. I rembember your family living next to grandma and grandpa! Mom and dad are finally together again, I can just see them dancing and dancing. That’s what I’m holding onto during this difficult time.
Diana (Kerkow )Kaiser – daughter
Diana, Linda, Rhonda, and families – I wish we could have been there for the visitation and service today. Doug (Dakins) and I were planning on coming today until the weather didn’t sound good traveling from Wisconsin to Minnesota and back home again. I’m so sorry on the passing of your mom. It’s always hard to lose a parent, and now to have both of them gone leaves a huge hole that can’t be filled. Your mom and dad were my godparents and they will always be remembered for all the things they did for me while I was growing up. Know that we were thinking about you today as everything was going on and you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank You very much ! I know you were there in spirit. Mom wouldn’t have wanted you to risk getting hurt due to the bad weather. Prayers are always appreciated, lately more than ever, I seem to fall a lot emotionally lately. #reallymissingmymommy
Diana
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My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends. May you find some comfort in the promise found in Revelation 21: 3-4 and 1 Thessalonians 4:14. Knowing that there is an opportunity to be reunited with loved ones.