Shirley Vakoc

**Use this link to view the visitation: https://youtu.be/dq7p560w8zM 

To view a recording of Shirley's funeral service, click the following link.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-0drklteOc&feature=youtu.be 

Shirley Vakoc, passed away in her home at Pioneer House in Fargo, North Dakota,  surrounded by family on November 23^rd, 2022.

Shirley Mae Johanson Vakoc was born to Daniel and Mildred (Nyhus) Johanson on October 5, 1938, in Fosston Minnesota. She attended school in Fosston, until the age of 13 when her family moved to Grand Forks. There she attended and graduated from Central High School in 1956. Not long after, mutual friends introduced Bob and Shirley. They were married on August 16, 1958 at First Methodist Church in Grand Forks, N.D. In August of 1961, they moved into the home that they had built, and that Shirley continued to live in until this past August.

Shirley worked as a bookkeeper for Irelands Lumber Yard until she became a “stay at home” mom when Cheri arrived in 1962. She later did bookkeeping (from home) for their family business, Sioux Land Advertising Art until Bob retired in 2007. They welcomed their 2^nd child, Rob in 1969. Shirley also worked at Miracle Ear when the kids were grown for several years.

Together Bob and Shirley were members of the Elks, Eagles and VFW club. They enjoyed going dancing every Saturday night. They also enjoyed their lake place at Tony’s Campground at Lake Ida on the weekends. Shirley’s interests included hosting whist club in their home and playing pinochle. She played on a bowling league for many years and often her games topped 200 +. Shirley played the clarinet in school and was self-taught at playing the accordion, organ and piano. Often times in their younger years, neighbors would gather in the backyard to play music.

Shirley had a great sense of humor and teased back with her grand kids even to the end. She was a compassionate mom that always asked how she could help out. She put family first and taught us to enjoy the simple things in life. Even as her health was declining, she took interest in their activities. She was a gift from God, and we feel so blessed to have had her in our lives.

Shirley is survived by her daughter Cheri (John) Koch, Fargo, ND; daughter in law Becky Vakoc, East Grand Forks, MN; sister Joyce Johnson, Cheney, WA; brother Ron Johanson, Grand Forks, ND; sister in law MaryEllen (Bill) Holland , Rayville, LA. Grandchildren include Nic (Olivia), Alec (Michelle), Elliot, Bekah and Johnny. Great grandchildren Brendan, Lennon, Julian, Avi, Aria, and Ezra. Nieces and nephew. She is preceded in death by husband Bob, son Rob, brother Dennis and sister-in-law Maggie.

We would like to thank All Embracing Home and Integrity Home Care for their flexibility in providing quality care that allowed Shirley to stay in her home until late summer. Also her most recent residence at Pioneer House, where they treated us like family.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 2, 2022 in United Lutheran Church, Grand Forks.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service on Thursday, December 1, 2022 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42^nd St., Grand Forks.

Please join us for burial following the funeral service at Memorial Park South Cemetery, 3002 S. Washington St. Lunch will be served at the home of Becky Vakoc. 44678 182^nd St SW in East Grand Forks, MN.