Shirley V. Wannarka

Shirley Venettia Wannarka age 84 formerly of Gaylord died Friday, May 10, 2019 at Nagel Assisted Living in Waconia.

Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday May 16, 2019 at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary. Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m., Wednesday and one hour before the service on Thursday. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. Memorials may be given to whatever speaks to your heart.

Shirley V. Wannarka was born June 27, 1934 to George and Mildred (Kessal) Yoder in Ledyard, Iowa. She graduated from Mankato High School in 1952. Shirley was united in marriage to Jerome Edward Wannarka on August 19, 1955 at Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato.

Shirley worked at various businesses in the Gaylord and surrounding area and a major supporter of the family farm. She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Gaylord. She enjoyed reading, traveling, sewing and spending time with family.

Shirley is survived by her three children, Paul (Cindy) Wannarka of Bemidji, MN, Wayne (Lynette) Wannarka of St. Cloud, MN, Ann (Peter) Koch of Gaylord, MN; seven grandchildren, Faith Wannarka, Brittney Wannarka, Weston (Mandy) Wannarka, Courtney Wannarka, Ben (Skye) Koch, Eliza (Nick) Green, Jacob (Laurie) Koch; five greatgrandchildren; two sisters, Lucille Oftedahl, and Carol; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jerome November 2, 2009; son Peter in 2003; brother, Gerald; two sisters, Bonnie and Helen.