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.
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.
