Shirley Alkire

Shirley Ann Alkire passed away at the age of 87 on September 9, 2026 surrounded by her entire family at Milaca Elim Meadows.  Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 11 AM at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Bock.  Interment will follow at Borgholm Cemetery.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Shirley was born September 5, 1939 to Steve and Esther (Jacobson) Sorensen. She grew up on the family farm near Bock. She was baptized and confirmed at the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Bock. She graduated from Milaca High School in 1957. Shirley welcomed son, Steven and daughter, Laurie, from her first marriage. She was united in marriage to Darwin Alkire on July 7, 1972. They welcomed daughter, Kristie. Shirley and Darwin built a beautiful home near Shirley’s parents and raised their family. Shirley was the business manager at Ogilvie Public Schools and retired in 2022 after 21 years.

Shirley took great pride in her home and work. She was a wonderful cook. She made delicious dinners every Sunday that all her family enjoyed. Shirley was a hard worker and very organized. She made it look easy maintaining an immaculate home and yard, cooking homemade meals every night, and raising her children while working full time. She always made sure holidays were special with good food and presents for all. Shirley and Darwin enjoyed traveling in their fifth wheel camper. The grandchildren loved camping with grandma and grandpa. Shirley loved her flowers and had beautiful flower gardens.

Shirley is survived by husband, Darwin; son, Steven (Ellen) Hoskin, daughter, Laurie (David “Ernie”) Rahm, and daughter, Kristie Towle; grandchildren, Jenna Rahm, Alyssa Rahm, Sarah (David) Herman, Shane (Mikhayla) Hoskin, Skylar Towle, and Paytyn Towle; great-grandchildren, Payslee, Jayden, Daisy, Laikyn, and Laine; sister, Carol (Fred) Kroll; mother-in-law, Alice Alkire and sister-in-law, Sharon Alkire.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Steve and Esther Sorensen; brother, James Sorensen; nephew, Jeffrey Radziej and brothers-in-law, James Radziej and Marty, Terry, Tim and Paul Alkire.

The Alkire family wishes to thank the dedicated caregivers at Milaca Elim Meadows for their exceptional care and kindness.