Donald Ross SHIRK

SHIRK, CLARK, SHIMON, RUPP, REID, ADAMSON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:59

March 6, 1923 ---- December 18, 2017

Donald Ross Shirk, 94, passed away Monday, December 18, 2017, in Des Moines, IA. Services will be held 2 pm Friday, December 29, 2017, at Westover Funeral Home. A private burial will take place prior to the service.

Donald was born March 6, 1923, in Goldfield, IA, to Paul and Ethel (Clark) Shirk. He married Lorraine (Shimon) Shirk on October 24, 1943. Their honeymoon trip was a long train ride to Savannah, GA, where they sat on uncomfortable seats and ate bread and butter sandwiches.

Donald was the owner of Shirk Paper Company before retiring to restore homes in the Drake neighborhoods. He was also a member of the Masons, the Shriners, Boy Scouts, and the VFW. Donald served in the Coast Guard during WWII, stationed at the Captain of the Port in Savannah, GA. In 1968 he received an honorary award for being President of the Non-Profit Teen Club Association.

Donald was a woodworker, crafting many fine items including baby furniture, a dining room table, a grandfather clock, and even a complete bedroom set. He loved to spend time with his family. He traveled wherever he needed to see them; from Arlington, TX, to Orlando, FL, to Tulsa, OK, until he was 90 years old. Donald also enjoyed landscaping and flower gardening.

Donald is survived by his wife, Lorraine Shirk; daughter, Julia (John C. Rupp) Shirk of Tulsa, OK; grandchildren, Catherine (Kyle) Reid of Orlando, FL, and Steven (Jessica) Shirk of Minneapolis, MN; great-grandchildren, Oliver Reid, Milo Reid, and Alo Reid of Orlando, FL; and daughter-in-law, Chris (Adamson) Shirk of Orlando, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, four siblings, son, David Ross Shirk, and grandchild, Jeffrey Shirk.

The family will receive friends from 1 - 2 pm Friday, December 29, 2017, at Westover Funeral Home in Des Moines. Contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, National MS Society.

ARRANGEMENTS BY ILES ~ WESTOVER CHAPEL.
http://www.ilesfuneralhomes.com/obituary?id=1770074