Thursday, March 28, 2024

Obituary of Gerald Shirk, 56

Name of Deceased Gerald Shirk
Age 56
Date of Death 10/21/2011
Date of Birth 04/18/1955
Funeral Home Dean K. Wetzler Funeral Home, Milesburg

Gerald (Buck) Wesley Shirk, 56, of Unionville, died Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

Born April 18, 1955, in Bellefonte, he was a son of Shirley M. Evers Shirk, of Bellefonte, and the late George J. Shirk. He was a graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School and upon graduating, he served two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Colorado. Upon his return from the military, he married the former Connie Cain, who survives.

He was employed by Penn State University for 27 years, working in copying services and at the Creamery making ice cream and cottage cheese. After retiring from Penn State, he opened a pizza shop in Unionville, and later, a family restaurant. His second marriage was to Karen Wellar Shirk, who survives in Milesburg. He was especially close to his stepdaughter, Katina, whom he adored and cherished. Also, he was extremely close to his older brother, Ronald, who died in 2002. In 2009, he married Deborah Cullum and moved to Renovo, where he operated a small bakery.

He is survived by two sisters, Jane Flick, of Milesburg, and Susan Lucas (Bill), of Unionville; two brothers, Joseph (Teresa) Shirk, of State College, and Robert (Linda) Shirk, of Lamar; and many nieces.

As a young boy playing baseball for the Runville Little League, he received the nickname "Buck" from his coach and the name stayed with him throughout his life. Buck lived life to the fullest and eveyyone who met him enjoyed his humor and wit. He was one of the hardest working people you could possibly have met.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, at Dean K. Wetzler Funeral Home, Milesburg. A memorial service in his honor will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home, with Pastor John Dill officiating. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Union Township, at the family's convenience.

Memorial contributions may be made to: SPCA, 2451 General Potter Highway, Centre Hall, PA 16828, in memory of his loving dog and faithful companion, Ozzie. Online condolences may be made at www.deankwetzlerfuneralhome.com.