Shirley Potucek

Shirley Ann Potucek died peacefully on January 3, 2017, at the Good Samaritan Center in Warren, MN.

Shirley Ann Johnston was born on November 24, 1935, in Thief River Falls, MN to Mathilda (Wiebe) and Eldred Johnston. Shirley grew up in Thief River Falls and graduated from there in 1953.

Shirley was united in marriage to Vernon Potucek on September 22, 1956, at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. They lived briefly in Thief River Falls before moving to the farm north of Radium where they resided until Vernie passed away on May 2, 2016. They enjoyed 59 years of marriage.

Shirley had a big heart and was a devoted wife and Mother. She was a very hard worker. She was able to balance working full time, helping on the farm and raising three children. Over the years, she worked at the Sales Barn and Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls. She worked for many years at the Auditor's Office in Red Lake Falls, MN until her retirement. She said many times that she retired too early because she missed meeting and talking to all the people she would see on a daily basis.

She always enjoyed watching her kids and especially grand kids in any activity they were involved in. It meant so much to her. Her other passion was spending time with and talking to family and friends. She loved to play cards and board games. Inside that kind, loving person was a competitive streak. If there was a game going on, she was right in the middle, no matter how late into the night it went. One stormy holiday found us stranded at the farm overnight. A few of us played cards all night, and Mom wasn't going to miss a minute of it. She hung right with us. Shirley loved doing crossword puzzles and playing games on her computer. But at 4 PM, it was Dr. Phil, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. She couldn't believe they needed to do a physical therapy session during Dr. Phil. She also enjoyed watching football, especially the Vikings on Sunday afternoons.

She was fortunate to have many caring friends and family visit her at the farm and at the hospital and nursing home over the last few months. The most disappointing part for her was that they couldn't stay longer. She loved to visit, if she knew you or not.

She also enjoyed her time with church and neighbor friends in her years of being involved in Homemakers and GLCW.

In her and Vernie's retirement years on the farm, she looked forward to spring when they could pick out flowers for the flower beds. She was very proud of her lawn and beautiful flower beds.

Shirley was a great person and Mother. She put everyone ahead of herself. The times we spent and the conversations we had with her mean even more now. We will really miss her smile and her love of life. God bless you Mom and thanks for all you did for us.

Left to mourn her passing are her children, Paul Potucek of Warren, MN, Mark (Merilee) Potucek of Ada, MN and Karen (Tom) Engberg of Bismarck, ND; grandchildren, Corey, Selina, Shelby, Abbey, Brandon and Lydia; one great-grandchild, Sommer; brothers, Douglas (Janet) Johnston of Thief River Falls, MN, and Delbert (Jeannie) Johnston of Casselton, ND; and sister, Melba (Donald) Laidley of Thief River Falls.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernon; granddaughter, Kristin Engberg; and sister, Debra Blazek.

 

Funeral Service: Saturday, January 7, 2016, at 10:30 AM, in Zion Lutheran Church, Warren, MN.

Visitation: One hour prior to services at the church.

Interment: Comstock Cemetery, rural Radium, MN

 Service Information