Shirley Darlene Schalk

Shirley Darlene Schalk, age 91, entered into eternity with God on Sunday, November 16, 2025. She was born May 4, 1934, in Muskegon, to Jessie and Jean (Guy) England. She grew up in the country, attending several different schools in Muskegon as the school zones were frequently reset. She fondly recalled all of the fun times with her neighborhood gang singing songs together, having parties, playing cards and baseball, attending Dalton Baptist Sunday school. Shirley dearly loved her parents and siblings and was able to spend life-long relationship time with her sisters Sharon and Willie, brother Jim, and sister-in-law Bev. She spent her High School years at her beloved North Muskegon High School where she met many dear and wonderful friends, including her future husband, our Father, George Schalk. Shirley passionately loved us, her children, and her grandsons, Nick and Ryan whom she was so proud of. She helped us to enjoy a life of joy, security and extended family, Grandmas and cousins, aunts and uncles, growing up in North Muskegon. Shirley's life in God was her joyful adventure. She seriously searched for God at a young age, attending various Churches as an early teen, being deeply drawn to the Catholic Church when she attended Mass. She was lovingly instructed by a priest and sister about the Catholic faith and was Baptized/Confirmed and received her First Communion at age 18. She lived out her adult life with a heart always opened to God, going through a deep renewal of her relationship with Jesus Christ in her 40s, putting her on a lifelong path of loving the Lord and sharing His love and truth with others. She lived in North Muskegon, Michigan, the Florida Gulf Coast, Steubenville, Ohio, and then ended her journey back in West Michigan. Shirley served as a coordinator for many Christian evangelistic ministries, including conferences and outreach events. She worked at Florida's WBVM Catholic Radio and as a Franciscan University promoter in Florida. She loved to book FU Christian outreach music ministries at local parishes and youth events. She scheduled inspiring Radio interviews from local people and Franciscan University of Steubenville priests, singers and speakers visiting Florida. Shirley sang in her parish choirs and at Charismatic retreats and conferences/days of renewal. In 1995 she moved to Ohio and began serving at Franciscan University in Advancement, coordinated Youth Conferences Prayer Ministry and fervently loved all of the students, staff and conference attendees she met on a daily basis! She loved living in Steubenville and making such wonderful friends. She was a connector, an encourager, who loved well. There were a lot of house party hostings, dinners, song-singing and spontaneous fun! She was adopted by families – especially the loving Welker Family. She was a spiritual sister to many people and Friars, especially Frs. Michael Scanlan, TOR and Fr. Dennis Gang, TOR. Shirley lived her life with an open heart for others, cheerfully greeting babies and strangers everywhere in West Michigan when she was out and about! We love you so much Mom! You never grew old! You were God's gift to us. We will miss you deeply, your laugh, your beautiful voice, and singing with you. Thank you for loving us unconditionally! We look forward to being together again in God's eternal presence! You have passed to the Lord whom you have desired with your whole heart. Shirley is survived by two daughters, Julie (Mark) Aue and Jeanie Schalk; two grandsons, Nick Schalk and Ryan Schalk; and nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved son, Mike Schalk; three brothers; and two sisters. FUNERAL SERVICES for Shirley will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100. Burial will take place in Laketon Twp. Cemetery following the service. In Memory of Shirley, donations are appreciated for the Fr. Michael Scanlan Fund, payable to Franciscan University. ("Fr. Michael Scanlan Fund" in memo line) Franciscan University Attn: Advancement 1235 University Blvd. Steubenville, Ohio 43952. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at https://www.sytsemafh.com