Dennis Deane Shirk

Dennis Shirk, 77, of Niles, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

His life began on August 20, 1948, in Grundy Center, Iowa, the fourth of six children born to Delbert and Betty Shirk. On April 14, 1969, Dennis married the love of his life, Rosemary Siemens, in Garwin, Iowa. Together, they built a beautiful life defined by devotion and adventure.

Dennis’s family was the "apple of his eye." He took great pride in providing for them, even purchasing seven acres of land to ensure his family had a safe, private place to swim, play, and gather. A dedicated worker, his career took him to many places, but he always found time for joy. He and Rosemary loved traveling with their close-knit group of friends and shared a lifelong passion for music—especially hard rock.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rosemary Shirk; his children, Philip (Anita) Shirk of Niles, Paul (Gwen) Shirk of Niles, Bertina Shreve of Niles, and Melinda Shreve of South Bend, Indiana; and his sisters, Priscilla Crumbly of Gladbrook, Iowa, Janet Dolezal of Toledo, Iowa, and Lisa (Chris) Stanley of Marshalltown, Iowa. His legacy lives on through eleven grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Betty Shirk; his brother, Morris Shirk; and his sister, Cathy Niedermann.

Family and friends will gather on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online at: halbritterwickens.com.