Search by Name

Search by Name

George Shirkey Obituary

George C. Shirkey, 49, of St. Charles, died Friday, April 28, 2006. Beloved husband of Susan, nee Kowalczyk; loving father of Heather and Stephanie; devoted grandfather to Cole; dedicated son of Robert and Angeline Shirkey; dear brother of Sandra, Carla Channel, Laura (Ron) Ricther, and Chuck; dear son-in-law of Chester and Jane Kowalczyk; kind brother-in-law and uncle to many; loyal friend to countless. Visitation Tuesday, May 2, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Yurs-Wittenberg Funeral Home, 1771 West State St., Geneva. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 51 Locust Ave., Suite #201, New Canaan, CT 06840.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 1, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for George Shirkey

Not sure what to say?





AL LAGER

April 25, 2025

I still remember you fondly George. Lots of good times way back when. Rest in peace my old friend. God bless.

Al Lager

April 25, 2022

It's been a lot of years George, but you were a great person and friend.

I hope your family is well as you look in on them from time to time.

God bless.

Al Lager

April 25, 2021

Hey buddy. Seems like yesterday we were stupid kids doing stupid things.

I know you're in heaven looking down on everyone.

We hadn't talked for many years after I moved away, but still missing you my old friend.

Al Lager

April 25, 2019

In loving memory of a great old friend.

Al Lager

April 26, 2007

You will be missed bud, I had not seen you for many a moon. Your passing has still left a void,
God bless.
Al

Sue Schaub

May 13, 2006

Dear Sue, Heather, Steph, Cole & Family.

It has taken us 2 weeks before we could read these words & prayers from all of Georges friends & family. It confirms all we've always known about him! He was a wonderful man. We will miss & love him always & our thoughts & prayers are with you through out this difficult time. He will be in our hearts forever.

With deepest sympathy

Jay, Sue, Haley & Kendall Schaub

Kait Rauch

May 11, 2006

Heather, Mrs. Shirkey, Steph, Cole & Shirkey Family,



I am deeply sorry for the death of Mr. Shirkey. I wish there were words that could heal your heart. If there is anything I can do...

Love you all, your in my prayers.

Steve & Mary Matticks

May 11, 2006

Dear Sue and family:

We were so very sad to hear of George's tragic accident and your terrible loss. We only met you and your family once when you came to see the house on Forest Avenue in Oak Park where you once rented. Even though our time together was brief, George's easygoing personality and warm smile touched us both. We wish you peace and the comfort of God's love until you see your beloved again.

Sister M. Dolorosa, SSC

May 8, 2006

The Shirkey Family:

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. A Mass is being offered for him.

(I am Terry Shirkey's sister.)

Caralee Kelly

May 6, 2006

To the Skirkey,

I am so sorry to here of Georges Passing He was at My HighSchool Reunion just a few years ago. How time goes by to fast. I will keep you all in my Prayes and and Thoughts. George was in My home room class he was a lot of fun to be around. I will miss him very much.

Sincerly

Caralee Seminerio (Kelly)

O.P.R.F. CLASS OF 74.

Judy Dunagan (Bubeck)

May 6, 2006

Dearest Shirkey Family - I am so sorry for your loss! George sounds like he was an amazing father, , grandfather, husband, son, and brother. I was close friends with Carla Shirkey in high school and I remember how proud she was of her brother. Carla, I am praying for you and your family!

Cindy Hackbush,Karen (Heffernan) Hill

May 5, 2006

Dear Sandy,

We were saddened to read of your brother George's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Friends from Hatch School are always in our hearts.

Craig Cuchra

May 4, 2006

I am so sorry for your loss. George was a good friend that I had the pleasure of working with. I'll always remember the fact that George always had a smile on his face and his presence made work just a little more bearable.

Mike Vaia

May 3, 2006

As I look back on my Saturday morning rides to George's house, since we were the only guys to live so far out West, I enjoyed and will miss our little chats. I will also miss our Friday or Saturday nights at the Sycamore races. He was a dear friend and will be deeply missed. Your friend always.

Hank Pierscionek

May 2, 2006

Sue, Steph and Heather,

I can only hope that you all find strength and some peace in knowing how much George loved all of you and how much he will be missed by all of us who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Melissa Monno

May 2, 2006

I'd like to offer my deepest sympathies to George's loved ones at this time. In reading through these pages, it is easily understood what a remarkable person George was and how greatly he will be missed. I witnessed the accident on my way home and have had him and all of you in my thoughts and prayers constantly since then. It's my sincere hope that you may find peace in each other's love and support and the many memories you share. God bless.

Jennifer Blackburn

May 2, 2006

To Sue: George was my father's best friend and I am so saddened for you and your family of this very great loss. George was such a great man, friend, husband and father. My family's hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to you and the girls/grandson during this very difficult time. Love Jennifer Blackburn - Nikolas, Jordan, Alex and Jason

Ruud Kronenburg

May 2, 2006

George, you are our unforgettable, great friend. We are grateful to have known such a kind, good man. You and your precious family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love from the Kronenburgs.

Becky Blackburn

May 2, 2006

We have been friends with George and Sue for 25 years. He will be truly missed. He was loved by many and a great friend. George came to Colorado in August 2005 on his bike and we had a wonderful visit. We will always remember George and his loving friendship. We are blessed to have been part of his life. Our hearts go out to Sue and the children May God Bless You John and Becky

Sam Perri

May 2, 2006

Shirkey family and friends -

I would like to express my most sincere sympathies to you and your family. I did not know George or his family, but myself and my friend Luigi were the only witnesses to his tragic accident. He sounded like he was a great man that enjoyed life and his family. I wish you and your family the best, through this rough time. May God bless and keep your family strong.

Maurey Kliman

May 2, 2006

To the friends and family:

I worked with George Thursday night... I'm so very sorry for this to have happened.

Luigi Mancini

May 2, 2006

Shirkey family and friends -

I am extremely sorry for your loss... This event was a true tragedy to witness and my deepest sympathies are extended to you, your family, and your friends. My friend Sam and I were at the scene when this event occurred late Thursday night. Your family will always be in my prayers…

Bob Ross

May 2, 2006

George was a friend at Hatch and at Oak Park High. Sue and your family will remain in our prayers.

Tammy Stevenson

May 2, 2006

Shirkey Family -

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.



Stevenson Family (Warrenville)

Chris/Michelle Turek

May 2, 2006

We will never forget the kindness, love, and support we received from Sue and George during a difficult time in our lives. To us George was a role model; the best father, husband, and friend. We will be forever touched by his memory. Our deepest sympathies and love to Sue, Heather, Stephanie, and their family.

Jan & Ted Pacocha

May 2, 2006

Dear Sue, Heather and Stephanie,

It is with great sorrow that we write this note...George will be greatly missed. He was a beautiful person inside and out. Always a smile on his face and laughter around him. He was taken from us too soon. If you need ANYTHING, let us know...Love

Pietro Trombetta

May 2, 2006

dear Sue, family and friends ,

we are very sad for the loss of George ,he was a good man, allways happy and full of life,and proud of his family and especially of his grandson, we all miss him greatly , but i know that God will have a special place for him in heaven,we will pray for him and for all his loved ones

Sincerily , Pietro and Ofelia Trombetta

Michael Trybula

May 1, 2006

To The Family,

I would like to express my most sincere sympathies to you and your family. George has worked as my Maintenance Machinist for the past three plus years, and will sorely be missed by both myself and his co-workers. George could always find the silver lining, even in the darkest of clouds. His love of life, robust laugh and infectious smile will remain in my memories always. I'm a much better person for having known him. May God bless him and keep him, for now he truly has his wings.

Murlisa Lindsey

May 1, 2006

Shirkey Family



I'm so very sorrow to hear of the lost of George Shirkey. Your family has my prayers. As much as this precious loss hurts. Remember and hold on to all the wonderful memories. May God bless and keep your family strong.

Murlisa Lindsey

May 1, 2006

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Karen DelDebbio

May 1, 2006

Dear Sue,

I am so sorry for you & your family, Please if you feel like talking to someone who totally understands any time please call. I will give you a call in a couple of weeks to check up on you. I needed a couple of weeks just to get a grip & I'm sure I really haven't yet! But if you feel like talking before then please give me a call.

Love

Karen DelDebbio

Mike Korn

May 1, 2006

Dear Sue, Heather, Stephanie and Family,



George was a friend like no other. His smile and laughter are irreplaceable. His memory will always bring a tear and a smile.



I'll miss my buddy....

George Shirkeys First Solo Flight 2005

May 1, 2006

George has The Right Stuff 2005

May 1, 2006

George after his First Solo Flight 2005

May 1, 2006

Peg Sabatino

May 1, 2006

Dear Sue, Heather, Stephanie, and family,



The sorrow I feel at the loss of George is inexpressible. I cannot think of a single fellow student at OPRF who was as kind, considerate, funny, loving, sensitive, caring, committed (and much more) than George. He was a man amongst boys in high school and beyond.



The few times I have had since high school to experience the joy of visiting with George, he could not express fully enough the love he had for his family and the joy you gave him. He just glowed.



Farewell to one of this finest men I was ever blessed to know.

Thomas Baittie

May 1, 2006

To Sue, Heather, and Stephanie,

We cannot express the words of grief we are feeling. Our lives will never be the same without George's Love and Kindness. He was truly a gift from God. We treasure his friendship, and he will live in our hearts and minds forever!

With Much Love,

Tom, Lisa, Lindsay, and Courtney Baittie

Sharon Stephenson

May 1, 2006

Dear Sue, Heather & Stephanie,

I am so sorry about the tragic accident which caused your loss. George was a kind and gentle man who truly loved his family and life in general. I will always remember the fun times we had living next door to you on Wisconsin Avenue. George will be terribly missed but never forgotten.

Al Lager

May 1, 2006

Sue, I am very sorry at the loss of your husband and an old friend of mine. He will be missed . I truly mourn the loss, 30 years cannot diminish the fond memories of the past!God Bless, Al

Jim Griffin

May 1, 2006

Sue, Heather, Stephanie.

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Eileen, I, and the kids are in total shock. George was a great friend, and he will be deeply missed by all of us. Let us know if you need anything.

Terry Shirkey

May 1, 2006

At this time, it is difficult for me to express my feelings for the tragic and untimely loss of my nephew, George.

I will cherish the many happy memories I have of him.

My sincerest sympathy is extended to the entire family. May God bless you.

Paul shirkey

May 1, 2006

Dear Sue & Family: I am shocked & saddened by the loss you have suffered. George & Uncle Bob helped me enormously when my father passed in 1981. The word generous is an understatement

Debbi Nelson

May 1, 2006

Shirkey family and friends -

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to George's family and friends. I have so many fond memories of George and his buddies. George always had a smile on his face and a funny story to share. He was a kind, happy man and we were lucky to have shared laughs with him. My prayers go out to his family and friends during this time of sorrow. George will be remembered with a smile.

Sandy Pethan

May 1, 2006

I'll miss his never-ending smile. So many good times we had. He is not gone, and will never be forgotten. He is an infinite soul who was in temporary flesh.

Dennis Korn

May 1, 2006

To Sue And family,

I'm so sorry for the loss of George.

He was a great Guy and His loss will touch so many, God Bless, You are in my Prayers.

John Cwiklinski

May 1, 2006

Sue,

I am sorry hear about the loss of your husband George. He was such a good, kind, and happy man. He brought much needed cheer into many peoples lives, at work, at home, and just everywhere he was. My heart is with you and your family in this time of sorrow. But remember George will still bring happyness in our memories.

Ryan Alves

May 1, 2006

Shirkey Family,



We were very sad when we heard the news of your loss. George was a true friend to everyone he touched. George was one of those people that everyone liked and cared about. My family has fond memories of working with George, meeting each others family (my daughter loved when George took us out on the 4-wheeler). George was very vocal about how proud he was of his daughters and family. George was a gentle soul that will be missed by all the people he touched.

Judy Robb

May 1, 2006

Sue, family and friends~

My sincerest sympathies are extended to you, your family, and your extensive network of friends. George was very kind to me at every opportunity that our paths crossed. The kindest of human beings.

Best Regards,

Judy Robb

Barbara Deer

May 1, 2006

Dear Sue & Uncle Bob & Aunt Angie,



I was so shocked and saddened to hear about George's death. Although my memories of him are mostly from childhood, they are happy ones. He was always so good to our family.



Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Barbara (Huiner) Deer & family

Ralph Palmer

May 1, 2006

Dear friends and family of George.



I will always remember George as one of the happiest days of my life when we met up at the OPRF 30-year H.S. reunion.



Gosh, nothing had changed between us since graduation. Even better George said he wanted to get us all together for a summer reunion party.



Well I cried when I got the news that we will all have to wait to be with George as I know he is heaven bound. What a wonderful man.



May God Bless, Ralph M. Palmer,

316 N. Lincoln Avenue, Sterling, Virginia 20164-2526, 703-406-9564

Tim & Marita Hyde

April 30, 2006

Dear Sue and Family,

We extend our deepest sympathy at this terrible time. George has always been one of the most wonderful persons we've ever known. We are very fortunite to have known him.

Jo Ellen Koppenaal

April 30, 2006

Sue and family,



I am so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. I have only good memories of George. You have all been in my thoughts and prayers this past weekend.



Sincerely,

Showing 1 - 52 of 52 results

Make a Donation
in George Shirkey's name

Memorial Events
for George Shirkey

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support George's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor George Shirkey's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more