Kay Shirek, age 58, resident of rural Lankin, ND, died unexpectedly on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at First Care Health Center in Park River, ND.

Mary Kay Anderson was born January 28, 1952 at Fort Rucker, AL, the daughter of Kenneth and Mary Lou (Andrews) Anderson. She was raised on her parent's farm near Mapes, ND. She attended elementary school at Mapes then attended the Michigan Public School, graduating with the class of 1970. She then attended Mayville State College. Kay married Robert Shirek on June 30, 1972 at Michigan, ND. They lived all of their married life on the Shirek family farm near Lankin. Kay helped with the farm chores and raised their family. She began working for Easter Seals and later worked at Nelson County Social Services. Kay then worked for the Human Service Center in Devils Lake, at which she completed her Associates Degree in Mental Health. Kay was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Michigan, a founding member of the Happy Ramblers Homemakers Club, a member of the Red Hat Society, a CCD teacher at St. Lawrence O'Toole Catholic Church and involved with CYO for many years, and was very active in the Relay For Life. Her grandchildren were very important to her, and she enjoyed baking with them. She also had a special place in her heart for her nieces & nephews.

Kay will be greatly missed by her husband, Bob Shirek; 4 children and their families, Amy (Mark) Streifel and Julia & Claire of Spring, TX, Nicole (Shaun) Sjolin and Spencer & Will of Conroe, TX, Tracy (Wayne) Larson and Brady, Abigail & Emily of Brocket, ND, and Ryan (Jamy) Shirek and Faith & a baby due at Christmas of Lakota; her parents, Kenneth & Mary Lou Anderson of Lakota; a sister, Sandy (Mike) Swanson of Grand Forks; 3 brothers, Allan (Deb) Anderson, Bob Anderson both of Michigan, and Tom (Susan) Anderson of Lakota; a sister-in-law, Kathleen Frank of Olivia, MN; and numerous nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her nephew, John Swanson.

The Memorial Mass will be held at St. Lawrence O'Toole Catholic Church, Michigan, on Monday, October 18, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. The Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Samuel Ezeibekwe. Music will be provided by the St. Lawrence Church Choir. Interment will be at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church Cemetery, Bechyne, rural Lankin. Honorary Bearers will be Kay's friends and co-workers at the Human Service Center. An Honor Guard will be provided by the Ladies Auxiliary of the W.L. Cowper American Legion Post # 238 of Michigan. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home, Lakota, on Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials are preferred to the Make A Wish Foundation or the Michigan Ambulance Service.