Russell E Shirk

Russ grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas during the Great Depression (1929-1941) He worked from age 10, doing yard work, cleaning and making bicycle deliveries for grocery and drug stores. (It is ironic that such a responsible hardworking man had the name Shirk.)

Russ’s main interest and talent was singing and playing the violin. In 1941, after 2 years of college in Hutchinson, he moved to Kansas City and began working for Safeway to pay for further violin training. He accepted a position with the KC Symphony, but before he began, he was drafted to fight in WW ll.

As a member of the US Army Infantry, he served 3 years in Europe, where his worst memory was freeing the Buchenwald concentration camp prisoners. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Master Sergeant, then served 3 years in the Reserves.

After the war, he returned to Safeway where he met his wife, Eloise. They had 2 children, Kathy and Steve. Last October Russ and Eloise celebrated 70 years of marriage.

Preceded in death by his mother, Anna Criswell Shirk.

Survivors: wife- Eloise; daughter - Kathy (Greg) Grounds; son – Steve (Georgette) Shirk; 2 Grandsons: Brad (Lindsay) Grounds, Andrew Shirk; 4 Granddaughters: Jill (Jon) Spieker, Theresa (Michael) AlMohtadi, Hannah (Nick) Bintliff, Alyssa (Aaron) Williams and 6 Great Grandchildren

Russ will be remembered for many things--for his strong handshakes and hugs, for his wit, his positive attitude, for being a fun grandpa, for his willingness to help others, for his daily exercise routines, for his integrity, and many other great qualities. But the thing that Russ would want people to remember about him is his love for Jesus, which he cultivated by daily Bible reading and prayer. He would want you to know that he is spending eternity in heaven, not because he was good enough to get there, but because he believed and trusted that Jesus made the only perfect sacrifice for sin that is acceptable to a perfect God. He is hoping to see you there.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice, 1500 Meadow Lake Parkway, Suite 200, Kansas City, MO 64114