In Shirley’s own words.

Shirley Frances Korenchen was born on July 9, 1930 to John and Muriel (Schieffert) Marion in Grenora, ND. She attended school there and graduated in 1948.

Following graduation, she was employed in Williston for 7 years, 6 of which were with Dr. TM Flath.

In 1955 she was married to Albert Korenchen of Aurora, MN at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Grenora.

Following the marriage, they spent the next 20 years in North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. They were parents of 2 children, Kathie and Mike.

They returned to Williston permanently in 1970. Al passed away in 1985.

Shirley was employed at Mercy Hospital for 26 years as a lab secretary. While there she was involved in many of the volunteer areas. She still remained on the Auxiliary Board until her illness. She was also a Hospice volunteer as well as serving on the Hospice Board of Directors.

Shirley loved her church. She always said there was no better way to start the day than to attend daily Mass. She was involved with Catholic Daughters of the Americas and St. Joseph Altar band. She was a Eucharistic Minister for over 20 years, and a member of Cursillo. On Wednesdays and Fridays after 7 am mass, the “church ladies” would go for breakfast. This was a good time to visit and just be together.

One of her great joys was that on every Thursday of each week, she would go to Bethel and set up for Catholic Mass. This she did for many, many years and made some lasting friendships.

She had a great love for animals and always had a dog. Her dog that gave her comfort during her illness was Willy. What a dog.

She also had a great love for her flowers and salad garden.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Kathie (Jim) Ostgulen; her son, Michael (Marjorie); grandchildren, Hannah and Anthony; brothers, Paul of Seattle and David of Redmond, WA.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Albert; sister, Joyce and brothers, Michael and Patrick.