Shirley A Ptacek

shirley ptacek
Shirley A. Ptacek, age 87, of Cresco, IA formerly of Lourdes, IA passed away on Monday, March 08, 2021 at Howard County Regional Health Services in Cresco. A public Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 12, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Lourdes, IA with Father Jerry Kopacek celebrating the Mass. FOR THOSE UNABLE TO ATTEND IN PERSON, PLEASE JOIN THE FAMILY AT 11:00 AM ON FRIDAY ON CONWAY-MARKHAM FUNERAL HOME’S FACEBOOK PAGE FOR LIVESTREAM OF THE FUNERAL MASS. There will be visitation at the church from 9:30-11:00 AM prior to the funeral mass on Friday. Burial will be at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery. Shirley Ann was born June 6, 1933, the daughter of Bernard “Ben” and Anna (Daley) Kramer in Elma, IA. She attended country school before graduating from St. Bernard Catholic Church in Alta Vista. After graduating, Shirley attended Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, IA. Between her first year and second year at college, Shirley worked as a long distance telephone operator in Mason City. As she finished her college career, she met her future husband, Clement Ptacek at a dance in Spillville, IA. The couple were united in marriage April 2, 1956 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Alta Vista. The couple made their home in rural Lourdes on what’s now known as the Ptacek farm. Together they farmed side by side and welcomed their four children, Julie, Rick, Denny, and Jo. They retired in 1993, moving to Cresco. In their retirement they enjoyed their family and spending time together. Shirley was an avid painter, gardener, and spoiled her family with her homemade kolaches and rohliky. Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Julie (Ken) Balk of West Union, IA, Rick (Lynn) of Mason City, IA, Denny (Mary) Ptacek of Lourdes, Jo (DeWayne) Purdy of Dike, IA; her grandchildren, Matthew (Amy) Balk, Liz (Nick) Kofron, Joe Balk, Logan (Nichole) Ptacek, Dylan (Hannah) Ptacek, Ben Purdy, Emily Purdy and Austin Ptacek; sister-in-law, Theresa Dumsky and Kathy Ptacek and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in by her parents; her husband, Clem in 1999; and her siblings, Mercedes Hentges and Norbert Kramer and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

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  1. Dear Ken and Julie, We are so saddened to hear of your loss. We will greet you when we see you the next time. Hope all is well and good health is yours. Deacon Dan and Kim

  2. My deepest sympathy to the family, Shirley was a very kind person and I enjoyed visiting with her at Elma

  3. So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. I always remember her great smile and laughter. Thoughts and prayers to all the family. You will always have the great memories of her to keep her close. With deepest sympathy, Beverly Valvoda

  4. We are so very sorry to learn of Shirley’s passing and send our prayers & hugs in support for you all at this time. Bruce & Callie Weigel

  5. I have many memories of this great lady. Spent a few nights at their house in my younger days. She was always kind, had a huge smile and was a great cook. My sympathies to her family and God bless you all.

  6. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

  7. To the family of Shirley Ptacek…Still with you are so many memories to help you through every tomorrow…Still with you are so many people who share in your loss and your sorrow. With Heartfelt Sympathy. In Faith Di and Reecee Kovarik and special friend Roger Craft

  8. Moms are always special. Yours was always fun and witty, with practical advice! Blessings on you and your family. Love, the Guetzko Family

  9. Julie, Rick, Denny, Jo and families: You have our sincere sympathy at this time of loss. Peace to each of you. Norman and Susan Friedrich


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