Shirley Witikko

Lake Metigoshe

Shirley Witikko, 77, Lake Metigoshe and formerly of Minot, died peacefully on Sunday, December 22, 2024, in her home. She was surrounded in love by her family and had courageously battled lung cancer for the past year.

Shirley was born on May 22, 1947 in Minot, ND to Dudney and Ella (Kaufman) Kirk. She was raised and educated in Minot and graduated from Minot High School in 1965.

As a young adult, Shirley worked in various positions. She was once married to George Behrens and this union was blessed with a son, Brent.

Shirley was united in marriage to Doug Witikko on March 12, 1976 at First Lutheran Church in Minot. They made their home in Minot and were blessed with two children: Nicole and Brock.

Shirley worked alongside her husband Doug as owners and operators of Jack Monument Company and Designs in Stone in Minot. She served the business in sales and as the office manager. They retired in 2017 after 41 years of service to the community.

Shirley was a member of First Lutheran Church in Minot and attended Metigoshe Lutheran Church. She especially enjoyed traveling, bowling and darts and was a wonderful cook who won numerous chili cook-offs and was a participant in the World Chili Cook-off in Reno NV. Shirley will be remembered for her smile and being a genuine and loyal person.

Shirley’s loving family includes her husband of 48 years: Doug; children: Brent (Brenda) Behrens, Nicole (Shawn) Swartwout and Brock (Aimie) Witikko, all of Minot; grandchildren: Shana, Justin, Jagger, Reino and Brogan; brother: Reverend Kevin (Corey) Kaufman of Devils Lake, ND; sister-in-law Phyllis Bock of Minot and numerous nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and brothers: Douglas and Rodney Kirk.

Celebration of the Life of Shirley Witikko: Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Lake Metigoshe Christian Center. A livestream of the service may be viewed by using the link in the website obituary.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation: Friday, December 27, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials are preferred to Metigoshe Ministries or the Lake Metigoshe Lions Club.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, December 27, 2024.