Shirley Althea Eken

Shirley Eken, 80 of Mankato, passed away Sunday afternoon, September 8th, surrounded by her loved ones. 

A private family service will be held at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary and burial will follow at Minneopa Cemetery. A public Celebration of Shirley’s life will be held from 4-7pm, Thursday September 12th 2024 at Minneopa Golf Club. Please share a memory of Shirley with her family and view her video tribute online at www.mankatomortuary.com. 

Shirley was born April 26, 1944 in Dayton, WA to Walter and Lucille (Morris) Davidson. She graduated from Myrtle Creek, OR high school and moved to Spokane, WA where she met her husband, Gerald “Jerry” Eken. They were married February 19, 1965. They moved a few times and settled in Mankato, MN where they raised their family. Shirley worked as the Court Administrator for Nicollet County for 20+ years and enjoyed her work. She loved being in the dirt working on her flower and vegetable gardens, going on hikes, lounging in the pool, and most of all, spending time with her grandkids. 

Shirley is survived by her brother, Wesley Davidson; her son, Michael Eken of Mankato, MN; daughter, Michelle (Alex) Schlaak of Lake Crystal, MN; grandchildren, Ava Morris-Eken, Kason Morris, Jameson Schlaak, Kylie Silverthorn, Mason, Harper, and Everett Jensen. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her parents, Walter and Lucille Davidson; sisters, Denise Startin and Sharon Graf; and brother, Vernon Davidson.

Memorials are preferred to Hosanna Lutheran Church of Mankato.