Shirley Gibson, 74, of Dante

Shirley died Saturday, March 5, 2011 at Avera McKennan Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Funeral services are 10:30 AM, Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at St. John Lutheran Church in Wagner. Burial is in the ZCBJ Cemetery, rural Wagner. Visitation will be at the church on Monday from 2 to 7 PM, followed by a Prayer Service at 7 PM. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner is in charge of arrangements.

Shirley was born August 4, 1936 on the family farm near Delmont to Otto and Pearl (Uecker) Jerke. She was the fourth of nine children.

Shirley attended Rouse 74 country school and Zion Lutheran Parochial School in Avon.

Shirley married Norman Gibson on November 29, 1953 at the Zion Lutheran Church, Avon, SD. Two children were born to their union, Randy and Sherrie.

Shirley spent her life caring for others. She began work as a psychiatric aid at the Yankton Human Service Center, then as a nurses' aid at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center, and finally, a Home Maker for Avera Home Health until her health failed.

One of the highlights of her life was time spent in Germany where her husband was stationed with the U.S. Army. She also enjoyed nature, birds and animals, and entertaining family and friends. She made many happy memories with family and friends. She was especially known for her ability to sing, dance and yodel.

Shirley's faith in God and her family came first in her life. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Wagner and the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. She was also a member of the Wagner VFW Auxiliary.

Shirley is survived by her husband Norman of Dante; son Randy (Paula) of Dante; daughter Sherrie (Jim) Nedved of Wagner; four grandchildren: Paul Gibson, Brookings; Jillian Gibson, Yankton; Cheray (Tyler) Christensen, Dell Rapids; and Evan Nedved, Brookings. She is also survived by three brothers: Clifford (Velda) Jerke, Wagner; Glen (Verna) Jerke, Dante; Gary (Susan) Jerke, Gillette, Wyoming; five sisters: Delores Peters, Wagner; Clarice Boelter, Crofton, Nebraska; Lois (Ron) Willman, Yankton; Wilma Estes, Sioux Falls; and Donna (Ron) Bruna, Tabor; along with many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Pearl Jerke; two grandchildren: James and Jory Nedved; nephews: Jackie Peters and Arlan Jerke; father and mother-in-law, Ernie and Janatta Gibson; brothers and sisters-in-law: Willie Peters; Freeman Boelter; Alan Klemme; Fred and Betty Grimme; and Herb and Wilma Olsen.