Shannon Ida (Kiecker) Elke, age 45, of Jordan, MN, passed peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 23, 2022.
A time of gathering will be held on Sunday, April 10, from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 West First Street, Jordan and on Monday, April 11, from 10-10:45 am, at Hope Lutheran Church, 201 Hope Avenue, Jordan, with a celebration of life service at 11 am. Guests may join via live streaming by visiting hope-jordan.org . Pastor Steve Thompson will preside.
Norbert and Patrice (Wendland) Kiecker proudly announced the birth of their first child Shannon gracing this world on September 22, 1976, at Redwood Falls Hospital, in Redwood Falls, MN. She was baptized at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, in Fairfax, MN. Shannon’s early days were spent on a farm with her younger brothers, Trevor, and Derick. Shannon formed a lifelong love for animals, especially of cats and dogs. She once hid a rabbit in her closet, as a pet. Family was always important to Shannon. She enjoyed spending time visiting her grandparents and playing with cousins.
In 1984, the Kiecker family moved to Jordan, after the passing of her dad, Norbert. She and her brothers eventually became part of a blended family. Their mother Pat married Chuck Wermerskirchen and Shannon welcomed his daughters Jennifer and Amy and later Ryan and Jamie were added to the family. The family attended Hope Lutheran Church, where she was confirmed in October of 1991. Shannon graduated from Jordan High School in 1995.
Unbeknown, the love story between Shannon and Daniel Thomas Elke started back in her early school years. Their paths kept crossing and eventually Shannon and Dan started dating. They were married on August 22, 1998, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, in Jordan. From this union, Shannon and Dan were blessed with three children, Ariel Ruth, Daniel Thomas Jr and Nathaniel Vernon.
The importance of family remained strong for Shannon. The Elke’s loved camping, with her favorite destination of Grand Marais, MN. Shannon and Dan were very active in their children’s lives. Together, they coached the kid’s youth softball and baseball teams. Shannon loved attending Ariel, Dan and Nate’s school activities and sporting events. She rarely missed an activity or event. Shannon’s love for animals continued welcoming many dogs, cats and even chickens through the years.
Shannon became a Certified Nursing Assistant. Through her career, Shannon worked at Mala Stana Assisted Living and Rehabilitation Center and Oak Terrace Senior Living, as a care manager. During this time, she also attended Normandale Community College earning two degrees in Administration Management.
During Shannon’s battle with cancer, she never gave up. She loved to be gardening, canning, grilling, and crafting. She took great care of her home and especially her family.
Shannon was feisty, strong willed and had an open heart, always welcoming people to her home. She will be forever missed and forever loved by husband, Dan; children, Ariel Elke, Danny Elke, Nate Elke, extended son, Dallas Winter; mother, Pat (Chuck) Wermerskirchen; siblings, Jennifer (Brian) Rezac, Amy (Eric) King, Trevor (Cassie) Kiecker, Derick (Kim) Kiecker, Ryan (Beth) Wermerskirchen, Jamie Wermerskirchen; many other loving relatives and friends. Greeting Shannon home in Heaven is her father, Norbert and many grandparents.
Share a message with Shannon’s family at www.ballardsunderfuneral.com Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation
