Karen A. Shirk

Karen Shirk

Karen A. Shirk, 74, died Sept. 9, 2026, at her home in Garden City.

She was born on Sept. 27, 1951, in Hutchinson, the daughter of Clement Miles and Leona Margaret (Wilkerson) Shirk.

Karen grew up in Friend. She attended school in Shallow Water until her sophomore year.

She graduated from Garden City High School and continued her education at Fort Hays State University.

After her time in college, she returned to the Garden City area where she worked for an accounting firm and later as a computer technician for a local seed company.

Karen played several sports in her youth and enjoyed watching them throughout life.

She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and spent countless hours reading books.

Survivors include her brother, Layne C. Shirk and his wife, Barbara, Great Bend; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Shirk, Johnson; nieces and nephews, Abby Moos and husband, Adam, Jenny Stous and husband, John, Hanna Brownback and husband, Grant, Mandy Adams and husband, Tyson, Nicholas Shirk and wife, Cassie, and Myles Shirk; as well as numerous grand-nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her father and mother; step-father, Glenn Cleveland; and brothers, Robert Shirk and David Shirk.

A graveside service will be held on Fri., Sept. 25, 11:00 a.m., in the Prairie View Church Cemetery of Friend, with Rev. Donald Bedore as officiant.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary Catholic Church or the Finney County Senior Center, in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 412 N. 7th Street, Garden City, Ks. 67846.