Ann Mathilda Shirk

Anna Mathilda (Hellmich) Shirk, 103, of Papillion, Nebraska, died peacefully on Monday, December 9, 2024.  Ann was born in Marshall County, Iowa, on September 24, 1921, the third child of Wenzel and Marie (Kopsa) Hellmich.  She grew up on the farm and graduated from Conrad High School in 1939.  She attended nurses' training in Marshalltown, Iowa, and received her Registered Nursing Degree in 1943.  She worked as a surgical nurse in the Marshalltown Hospital.

She was united in marriage to Keith Edgar Shirk of Grundy Center, Iowa, in 1945.  To this union, four children were born: Thomas (Louise) Shirk, Patricia Shirk Peterson, John (Linda) Shirk, and James (Noreen) Shirk.  The family finally settled in Des Moines, Iowa, where Keith worked as a structural engineer.

Ann was proceeded in death by her husband Keith E. Shirk in 2010; her parents, Wenzel and Marie Hellmich of Conrad, Iowa; her sister Helen Hemphill of Los Angeles, California; and her brother John Hellmich of Eldora, Iowa.  Left to mourn her passing are her four children, eight grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

To honor Ann's wishes, her body was cremated and a private committal service will be held in the spring.  She will be interred in the Alice Union Cemetery, Conrad, Iowa next to her husband Keith.

In Liew of flowers donations may be directed to the Alice Church of God (17168 270th St. Clay, Conrad, IA. 50621)

Burial to take place at a later date at the Alice Union Cemetery in Conrad, Iowa.