James Thomas Shirek

James Thomas Shirek, age 89, of Lakota, ND, died Saturday, June 25, 2016 at Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake, ND.

James was born October 6, 1926 the son of James H. and Elizabeth (Kosobud) Shirek. He grew up in Perth Township, Walsh County, ND and attended Lambert #73 Country School. After school he went to work farming with his dad on the family farm. James married Stella Mayer on October 30, 1950 at the Bechyne Church. The couple farmed for 25 years, then James went to work for Michigan Implement. Later, he worked for SSR Pump and farmed for Chuck Bina until he retired at age 80. James and Stella moved to Lakota, ND in 2014.

Jimmy T. loved good old time music and dancing. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, playing cards, and mostly spending time with his family, grandkids, and great grandkids. James served on elevator, school, and township boards. He was on the board of directors for Bechyne Heritage Hall. He was a member of the Elks and Knights of Columbus, and was president of North Dakota Catholic Workman. James was well known for his recognizable laugh.

James is survived by his wife of 65 years, Stella Shirek, Lakota, ND; children, Beverly (James) Sommerfeld, Horace, ND, James M. Shirek, rural Lankin, ND, Randy (Joy) Shirek, Minot, ND, Patricia (Harley) Wallace, San Tan Valley, AZ, and Anthony (Laura) Shirek, Rochester, MN; grandchildren, Rick (Kelly) Sommerfeld, Dan Sommerfeld, Matt Sommerfeld, Phil Shirek, Charlie (Alyssa) Shirek, Angie (Jossue) Ortiz, Julie (Ed) Golding, Dylan Shirek, and Alexa (Brennan) Erickson; great grandchildren, Miranda & Alyssa Sommerfeld and Enzo & Claire Ortiz; sister, Marcy Oppegaard, Lakota, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Evelyn Rysavy and Margaret Shirek, and infant sister Irene.

The Funeral Mass will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Bechyne, rural Lankin, ND on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. The Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Prasad Marneni. Visitation will be held at the Church on Thursday, beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment will be in the Sts. Peter and Paul Church Cemetery. The casketbearers will be Rick Sommerfeld, Dan Sommerfeld, Matt Sommerfeld, Phil Shirek, Charlie Shirek, and Dylan Shirek.