Blake Shirk, 73

Blake Eldon Shirk, age 73, of Three Rivers, passed away Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, FL.  He was born on the family farm in Three Rivers, MI on July 31, 1937,  a son of Orville and Evelyn (Emmons) Shirk. Blake  attended Three Rivers Schools. On October 9, 1971, he married Mary A. (Palmer) Steiner in Three Rivers.

Blake worked for 35 years as a millwright at Weyerhauser Co. in Three Rivers, retiring in 1995. He had previously worked at  Dayco International and Kellogg’s Nursery, both in Three Rivers.  Blake was a member of the Corey Church of the Nazarene, St. Joe Valley Old Engine Assoc., Vintage Chevrolet Car Club, Willies Knight Car Club, and was awarded Golden Eagle as a long time member of the Eagles. He enjoyed camping, tractors, and activities with his family and friends.

Surviving Blake are his wife Mary A. Shirk, daughters Cindy (Bob) Newell, Penny (Jay) Parker, sons Harold “Wally” Steiner, Robert “Bob” Steiner, and Mark “John” (Tina) Steiner, all of Three Rivers.  Also surviving are his sisters Geneva Fesler of Dowagiac, Laura Felch of Three Rivers, and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Adela “Peg” Hasbrouck, Jean Shirk, and brothers Brian, Terry and Orville Shirk. 

Relatives and friends will be received Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Eley Funeral Home in Constantine. Religious Services will be held Monday at 11 am at Eley Funeral Home in Constantine with Reverend Gary Carr, Corey Church of the Nazarene officiating. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery Three Rivers.  Memorial contributions may be made to Corey Church of the Nazarene. Online message may be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.