Obituary for Monika Shirk

Monika Shirk, 84, of Kenton passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in Nurnberg, Germany, on December 9, 1941, to George and Rosine Goegelein. On April 5, 1961, in Germany, she married Jack Shirk. He preceded her in death in 2006.

Monika is survived by her daughters; Connie (Jerry Hattery) Ellis, Rita (Andy) Perkins, Jackie (Brett Rahn) Shirk, Kelly (Steve Prater) Shirk, and Beth (Rod Hurt) Shirk, grandchildren; Ashley (Andrew) Stapley, Kylie Perkins (Jaymes Poling), Jaden Perkins, Nathan Thomas, Averie Thomas, Taylor (Jeremy) Ridge, Morgan Fissel, Austin (Kaylee) Hurt, Shaun Hurt (Chloe Harvey), Paige Hurt (Sean Chapman), great-grandchildren; Peyton, Rilynn, Everleigh, Ayden, Bentley, and Layla, brother-in-law; Dave (Karen) Shirk, and sister-in-law; Susan Shirk.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; Jack Shirk, brothers; Richard Goegelein, and Ervin Goegelein, brother-in-law; Richard Shirk, sister-in-laws; Alice Haudenshield, and Marilyn Shirk.

Monika was a factory worker, and her strength of character and determination were evident to all who knew her. She said her “six pack” was complete with her five daughters and herself. She shared countless laughs with her friends Peggy Piper and Mary Roby. Many of those times were at Amvets. She had a wonderful companion in her dog Buster, whom she adored. Monika loved watching football, especially The Ohio State Buckeyes

Monika was a lifetime member of Amvet Auxiliary#1994 and a member of Kenton Eagles #2163 and Kenton Moose #428. A heartfelt thanks goes to Not by Choice, and Universal Home Health and Hospice Care for their compassion and support.

To honor Monika’s life, a Celebration of Life will take place on February 28, 2026, at the Kenton Eagles, from 4 until 7 PM. Family and friends are invited to come together to share stories, laughter and love in honor of a lady who brought so much joy to those around her. There will be no funeral service as it was Monika’s wish to be cremated.

Schindewolf-Stout-Crates Funeral Home is honored to serve the Shirk family.