Donald J. Shirk

Donald James Shirk, 93, of Red Wing, Minnesota formerly of Claremore, Oklahoma, died Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at his nephew’s home in Red Wing.  He was born on August 15, 1928, in Monmouth, Iowa to Vern and Bessie (Napier) Shirk.  He moved with his family at a young age to Kelliher, Minnesota.  He then went to Guam and worked for the Department of Defense before enlisting in the US Navy serving in the Korean Conflict.  In October of 1948, he was united in marriage to Loretta Maxine Newell.  For 30 years Don worked for Rath Packing House in Waterloo, Iowa and then was a meat inspector for many years in Oklahoma where he and Maxine resided.  Maxine died on March 20, 2018.  In September 2020, Don moved to Red Wing to live with his nephew, Jon Shirk.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing; his dogs and visiting not only with his family, but the many people he met.

Donald is survived by one sister, Dixie Lee Geyer and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Maxine and six siblings,  Marion Collins, Vern, Harlan, Arnie, Carroll and Ralph.

A service will be held at a later date.  Funeral arrangements are by the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel in Red Wing.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.