Jenell (Jan) Shirk, 86, of Delavan, passed away peacefully Friday, May 2, at Walworth Mercy Hospital in Williams Bay.
Jan was born on September 26, 1927 in Mount Carroll, Illinois to Thomas and Paulina (Cronister) Sisler. She graduated from Mount Carroll High School, Mount Carroll, Illinois and went on to graduate from Schrimer College with a teaching certificate. She spent her first years of teaching in a one-room school house teaching children from 1st grade through 8th grade.
On August 9, 1948 she married Robert L. Shirk, who sadly passed away in 1972.
Jan was a long standing member of the Delavan United Methodist Church and took part in many activities and committees of the church ranging from Sunday school teacher, UMW (United Methodist Women) activities, meals on wheels, rotary lunches, choir, caring ministries, bible studies and the nurture team.
Jan is proceeded in death by her husband, Robert, her parents Thomas and Paulina Sisler and her brother W. Allen Sisler.
Jan is survived by her two children, Jane (Peter) Olk of Hortonville, and Joe (Cheryl) Shirk of Elkhorn and her two grandchildren, Riley and Nolan Shirk, as well as three step-grandchildren Deanna Olk of Appleton, Jeremy Olk of Little Chute, and Erika (Olk) Osegard of Hammond, Wisconsin in addition to three great step-grandchildren, Jordan Olk of Appleton, and Emma and Madyson Osegard of Hammond.
Jan loved music and played the piano all of her life. She especially loved spending time with her much adored grandchildren, Riley and Nolan, and hearing of all of their activities. She will be remembered by all as a woman who always had a positive attitude and a smile on her face and love in her heart and would always say something nice to anyone she would meet. She will be missed by all.
Services will be held at 6:00pm on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at Delavan United Methodist Church, 213 S Second St., in Delavan. Visitation will be held from 3:00pm until 6:00pm at the church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at Delavan United Methodist Church in her name. Monroe Funeral Home, in Delavan, WI, is assisting the family. Visit us at monroefh.com.
