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.
